The family of a young man found dead and dumped in a vacant lot in Barangay Tuban, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro is demanding justice for what they suspect was a summary execution.

The victim has been identified as Jericho “AJ” Paglicawan Castro, who had been missing for several days before his decomposed body was discovered wrapped in black cloth.

“Walang katumbas na sakit ang mawalan ng anak—lalo na kung siya’y pinatay lang ng isang/ilang taong walang puso at walang dahilan. Buhay na pinarangalan, pangarap na pinatay. Isang magulang na wasak ang puso, nagtatanong araw-araw: bakit ang anak ko?” a family member posted on social media.

The family member appealed to anyone with information: “Kung sino ka man n may gawa nyan sa pamangkin namin na si Jericho ‘AJ’ Paglicawan Castro. Sana usigin ka ng konsensya mo/nyo. Napakabata pa niya para gawin ito sa kanya.”

“AJ san ka man ngaun, gabayan mo nalng magulang mo at kapatid mong si samantha. Tulungan mo silang maghilom sa sakit na dinaranas nila ngaun,” the post continued.

Barangay residents reported the discovery to authorities after detecting a foul odor while passing through the area.

The body was found in an advanced state of decomposition.

Police are treating the case as a suspected salvage killing or summary execution as the investigation continues.

Photo credit: Janice Ordenes