32-year-old man abducted by men onboard white van in Cuenca, Batangas

A 32-year-old man was abducted by a group of men on board a white van in Cuenca, Batangas, according to Paul Hernandez’s “GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog” report on Tuesday.

Based on a video captured by a resident, the man was taken away by a group of men in Barangay Poblacion Uno, Cuenca Batangas. The resident immediately reported the incident to the police.

The Cuenca Police said he was allegedly kidnapped by four to five unidentified men riding a white van.

“Siya ay okay naman dito sa kanilang mamamayan. Hindi naman masyadong kilala yung tao, kaya ngayon kami talaga nag-aano rin ng posibleng motibo,” Police Major Ernie Delos Santos, chief of Cuenca Police Station, said.

(He is a normal resident in the community. He is not that popular, that is why we are still looking at the possible motive of his abduction.)

The report said the victim was walking along the street when the unidentified men kidnapped him.

The unidentified men were wearing bonnets, according to the report.

Authorities are still verifying the plate number of the white van.

The police said they are still identifying the motive of the crime, but raised the possibility that he might be involved in illegal drugs.

“Natapos niya naman [rehab]. Nagbago naman siguro siya sa kanyang .... Nagbago siya sa inaano ng gobyerno sa kanya. 'Yun din ay tinitignan natin yung ganyang motibo,” Delos Santos said.

(He finished his rehabilitation, I think he changed. He changed due to the program of the government. We are still looking at the possible motive.)

The van immediately left and went to San Jose, Batangas.

According to the victim’s relative, their family was not yet ready to release a statement regarding the incident.

The relative said they will only release a statement if there will be a development on the case.

The police were also looking at the possible CCTV footage near the incident.

Authorities are still investigating the incident. -- Richa Noriega/BAP, GMA News