PALAUIG, Zambales — Police are closing in on suspects behind the brutal killing of two women whose bodies were found dumped along the highway in Purok 5, Salaza, Palauig.

“We already have persons of interest in this killing,” said B/Gen. Rogelio “Pojie” Peñones, Central Luzon police director, in an interview.

Authorities are exploring every possible angle, including drugs — since shabu paraphernalia were recovered from the victims — personal grudges and other motives.

Col. Benjamin Ariola, police director, identified the victims as 24-year-old Ericha Ednalaguim y Bonifacio, aka “Khangkhang,” a resident of Purok Relocation, Barangay Taltal, Masinloc, and a woman known as “Lengleng” from Tarlac. Reports indicate the two were living together, with one of them identifying as a lesbian.

Before the grim discovery, motorists passing through the area were shocked to see the victims’ lifeless bodies along the roadside.

Captain Leoven Eduagen, Palauig town police chief, said investigators are working to determine whether the women were killed elsewhere and dumped along the highway or shot as they were being left there before dawn Thursday.

Ariola added that police recovered five empty .45-caliber shells, 15 empty transparent sachets, a lighter and other personal belongings from the scene.