Missing priest who was found alive to give statement only if diocese allows it —police

The missing priest who was found alive in Cavite would release a statement about his disappearance only if the Diocese of Imus allows him, police said Tuesday.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, Rosario Police chief Police Colonel Ruther Saquilayan said police investigators have yet to speak with Father Leoben Peregrino.

"Sa ngayon, hindi pa rin siya makausap at ito 'yung hinihintay namin dahil sa huling panayam namin sa mga kamag-anak, magbibigay lang siya ng pahayag kung ito ay bibigyan ng pahintulot ng diocese ng Imus," he said.

(We still have yet to talk to him and this is what we are waiting for because based on our last discussion with the relatives, he will only give a statement if the Diocese of Imus would allow it.)

Saquilayan, meanwhile, allayed speculations that Peregrino's disappearance may have something to do with cockfighting since CCTV footage shows his vehicle at the vicinity of a cockpit arena.

According to the police official, Peregrino used the road near the General Trias cockpit arena just to avoid vehicular traffic.

According to him, the police did not see anyone following Peregrino's vehicle on the day he went missing.

Missing for two days, the priest was found alive but tied up and unconscious inside his vehicle in Silang, Cavite, on Sunday.

Saquilayan said they could not yet speak with Peregrino as he was still traumatized by whatever happened to him and also as advised by his doctor.

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