Philippines (International Christian Concern) – Last week, ICC reported that a Catholic priest who had been missing for over 48 hours was found unconscious and tied up in his car.
On April 1, Father Leoben Peregrino, 58, vanished in the town of Rosario, which is located south of Manila in Cavite province. He was last seen by parishioners around lunchtime on that day. He was getting into his white sports utility vehicle, allegedly on his way to buy candles in the nearby town of Imus.
According to parishioners and family members, he failed to return to the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Rosario. Father Peregrino remained missing for 48 hours until a passerby found him in his vehicle in the nearby town of Silang. His hands and feet were bound.
Police suspected Father Peregrino’s disappearance was due to kidnapping, but the investigation is still ongoing. Recently, the family of Father Peregrino has asked for privacy amid the investigation being conducted by authorities.
At a press conference, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the investigators have yet to speak with Father Leoben Peregrino, days after he was found tied and unconscious inside his vehicle.
On Tuesday, Rosario Police chief Police Colonel Ruther Saquilayan said Peregrino would release a statement about his disappearance only if the Diocese of Imus allows him. The priest has been resting and trying to recover his strength since the incident.
This article originally appeared here.