BY SHIELA G. GELERA

The body placed in a sack and left in a swamp area in Purok Malipayon, Barangay 35 in Bacolod City Tuesday, was identified yesterday.
The victim was positively identified by his cousin, aunt, and step sister as Joel Aviles Jr., 30, of Purok 3 Lampirong, Magsungay in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod, P/Maj. Jovil Sedel, Station 1 chief, said yesterday.
Investigation showed that Aviles, who worked as a spa massager, had a drinking session with his cousin and two other persons, Sedel said.
He said Aviles’ cousin went home first.
His mother, whose name was not disclosed, told Bombo Radyo-Bacolod that aside from drinking, her son was not in a relationship, had no enemies, or affiliated with groups.
She also said she hopes that the suspects will be arrested soon and that justice will be served.
Sedel said they already have a person of interest in the death of Aviles, but he could not disclose more details so as not to hamper the investigation.
The body had a penetrating injury in the forehead, and a nylon rope was tied around his neck.*