Cops probe possible abduction of ex-Abuyog vice mayor, son

TACLOBAN CITY — Police in Eastern Visayas are investigating the disappearance of former Abuyog, Leyte vice mayor James Bohol and his son after reports emerged that the two were allegedly taken by unidentified men in Mayorga, Leyte, on Saturday afternoon, June 27.

Lt. Col. Annaliza Armeza, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-8, said authorities have not yet classified the incident as an abduction, stressing that the case remains under investigation.

“This is still under ongoing investigation. It is true that they are missing, but it has not yet been validated or confirmed that they were abducted,” Armeza said in a private message to the Inquirer.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Businessman rescued in Cabanatuan kidnapping; cousin, 2 cohorts nabbed

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Despite the cautious classification, police have reportedly launched a manhunt for three unidentified suspects who were allegedly involved in the disappearance of Bohol and his son, Carlo James Bohol, both engaged in business.

Initial police records showed that the victims were traveling in their vehicle at around 1 p.m. in Barangay Sta. Cruz in Mayorga, Leyte, when they were reportedly flagged down by armed men and forcibly transferred into a white Toyota Vios, believed to be the getaway vehicle.

Authorities have yet to identify the suspects or establish a possible motive behind the incident.

Police are also verifying unconfirmed reports that the white Toyota Vios was later seen in a government housing village in Barangay Tingib, Basey, Samar.

Article continues after this advertisement

Bohol served as a municipal councilor of Abuyog, Leyte, for several terms before being elected vice mayor in 2022. He sought reelection in the 2025 local elections but was defeated.

As of Monday, authorities said search and investigative operations remain ongoing./coa

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.