MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang has vowed to bring to justice the perpetrators behind the gruesome murder of former Batangas 2nd District Rep. Edgar Mendoza, whose charred remains was discovered, along with two of his companions, inside a burning car in Tiaong, Quezon.

In a statement, Presidentialal Spokesperson Salvador Panelo labeled the killing as an “outrageous act of barbarism”, adding that authorities will pursue the perpetrators behind the killing until they are placed behind bars.

At the same time, Malacanang condoled with the family of Mendoza, with Panelo assuring them that justice will be accorded to them.

“As the Palace condemns this recent felony, we express our deep condolences to the family, loved ones, colleagues, and constituents of the late former Congressman Edgar Mendoza,” Panelo said.

“We assure the bereaved family of the deceased that justice will be accorded by prosecuting the people behind this dastardly crime to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.

Mendoza, who served as a congressman from 1998 to 2001, left his home for a meeting in Calamba, Laguna on Wednesday with his driver and an aide.

Mendoza’s family reported the lawmaker missing when he failed to get home.

According to Quezon police director, P/Col.Audie Madrideo, the former lawmaker’s car, a Honda Civic (DND 6374) was found burning around 1:45 a.m. on a bridge rarely used by motorists in Barangay San Francisco.

Madrideo said the victims could have been killed elsewhere before their bodies were brought to Quezon.

Authorities are now retracing the route of Mendoza and his companions from Lipa City where they were last seen alive to Calamba, Laguna where they were supposed to meet a client. (Gerald Alayon/JGo/IAMIGO/CurrentPH. com)