Family of missing Cavite priest who was found alive asking for privacy —PNP

The family of the priest who went missing but was later found alive in Cavite is asking for privacy amid the investigation being conducted by authorities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.

At a press conference, 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.

“Hanggang ngayon po, hindi pa po nila nakakausap si Father Leoben because the family requested some privacy. Accordingly, nagpapahinga at nagpapalakas si Father,” she said.

(Until now, the police have yet to talk with Father Leoben because the family requested for some privacy. Accordingly, he is getting rest and recovering his strength.)

Fajardo said there was no demand for ransom when Peregrino went missing.

According to her, the police are considering all possible angles and motives in the investigation, including the priest's vocation and politics.

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.

Citing information from the priest's sister and driver, Saquilayan said Peregrino had been anxious in the past few weeks prior to his disappearance.

The priest also told his sister to take charge of their business because he would be gone, Saquilayan added.

Saquilayan said Peregrino usually buys candles with his driver. But on the day he went missing, the priest went on his own and left his cellphone. --KBK, GMA News