The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a full investigation into the abduction of a car dealer in Cebu City, an incident that was caught on CCTV and widely circulated online, prompting swift directives from national police leadership.
The victim was forcibly taken in broad daylight near the Miranza Center in Banilad on May 11, based on closed-circuit television footage that later went viral on social media.
Authorities said the victim was found alive the following morning in Naga, Cebu, but the incident raised alarm over possible financial or organized crime links.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered intensified follow-up operations, stressing the urgency of identifying and arresting those responsible for the brazen act.
“The PNP is treating this reported abduction case with utmost urgency and we are committed to determine the facts and identify those responsible,” Nartatez said.
Investigators are currently working to determine whether the case should be classified as kidnapping or if it stemmed from a financial dispute tied to vehicle buy-and-sell and pawning transactions.
Initial information from the victim pointed to a dispute involving a P1.8-million vehicle deal and P150,000 in unpaid interest.
Police have already identified a person of interest and are also examining possible links to so-called “rent-tangay” and “rent-sangla” schemes involving vehicles. However, authorities said early assessment suggests the incident may be isolated and not connected to a wider kidnapping syndicate.
Units from Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) and the Cebu City Police Office have been directed to secure CCTV footage from establishments in Banilad and map out possible escape routes used by the suspects.
The PNP said the investigation will focus on evidence preservation and fast-tracking case buildup to ensure the swift resolution of the case.
Screenshot from viral video
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