Police investigate possible love triangle in killing of Batangas working student

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 29, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Dennies Datu

Investigators in Batangas are looking into a possible love triangle and a work related dispute as they seek to identify those responsible for the killing of a 22 year old working student and musician.

The victim, Charles Usi, was riding his motorcycle along a national highway in Barangay Banay-Banay II in San Jose, Batangas, when he was shot by unidentified assailants riding another motorcycle on the evening of October 26.

Usi was reportedly heading home after finishing work at a restaurant, where he performed as a musician. He sustained a gunshot wound to the back that pierced through his chest and was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

Police initially considered the possibility of a road accident before discovering that the victim had sustained gunshot wounds. Investigators recovered two empty shell casings from a .45 caliber firearm at the scene.

Authorities have identified six persons of interest as part of the investigation. One angle being examined involves a former boyfriend of Usi’s girlfriend, although police have not established this as the motive for the killing.

Investigators are also looking into whether the crime could be connected to the victim’s work. They are reviewing closed circuit television footage along the possible escape routes of the gunmen to trace their movements before and after the shooting.

Police have yet to identify the perpetrators or establish a definitive motive. Those identified as persons of interest have not been declared guilty of any wrongdoing, as the investigation remains ongoing.