By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A taxi driver was found dead last Monday evening in Barangay Libacao, Himamaylan City.

Police identified the fatality as Junie Celis, a resident of Dacutan, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Himamaylan City police said local residents discovered Celis’ remains lying in a pool of blood inside his vehicle.

When investigators examined the body, they found he had sustained multiple stab wounds to the back.

A wound on the victim’s finger was also found, which indicates Celis took defensive actions during the assault.

Police also believe a scuffle took place inside the vehicle and suspect the incident was a robbery gone bad as the victim’s wallet was missing. However, a deeper search of the vehicle found two mobile phones and Celis’ earnings, amounting to P3,100, were still inside the vehicle.

Cops also found the victim’s taxi had a closed-circuit television camera, but the memory card was removed.

Himamaylan City police already have a person of interest as a witness came forward stating he saw an unidentified man leaving the taxi.

Police are presently trying to identify the individual./DGB, WDJ