A former barangay official was taken forcibly from his home by armed men before dawn on Tuesday, May 6 in Virac, Catanduanes.
According to the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office (CATPPO), six armed men wearing black sweatshirts, bonnets, ball caps, arm sleeves, and short pants barged into the home of Armando Duroin Lopez, 53, in Barangay Hicming at around 1:40 a.m.
The suspects reportedly pretended to deliver a package. When Lopez opened the door, the men rushed inside, took him forcibly, and loaded him into a white van.
One of the suspects even fired a gun into the air before fleeing, reportedly.
CATPPO said the suspects took the mobile phones of Lopez's two children before fleeing.
During the ride, the suspects allegedly tied Lopez's hands and covered his eyes.
"Ayon kay Lopez, habang siya ay pinapasok sa sasakyan, kinuha ng suspek ang kanyang sling bag at tinangay ang kanyang cellphone, at humigit kumulang P40,000 na cash," CATPPO said in a statement.
Lopez was abandoned later by the road in a remote area between Barangays Balite and Batag. He walked to Barangay Hawan Ilaya to seek help.
He was found around 6:15 a.m. and was brought to Eastern Bicol Medical Center for medical assistance.
CATPPO launched a hot pursuit operation following the report. The police are also reviewing closed circuit television (CCTV) footage to identify the suspects and determine the route taken by the vehicle.
The incident is being investigated as a possible case of robbery hold-up with intimidation. Authorities are also checking if it could be classified as a suspected election-related incident.
"Lumalabas ang anggulong robbery hold-up with intimidation, habang tinutukoy pa kung ang insidente ay mapapabilang sa Suspected Election Related Incident (S-ERI) o Election Related Incident (ERI)," CATPPO's statement read.
The Election Related Validation Committee has already convened to assess any links to the upcoming elections.
"Siniguro din ni PCOL Quijano na tututukan ang insidente at hinihimok din ang publiko na makipagtulungan sa mga kinauukulan at iwasan ang ang mga espekulasyon bagkus isulong ang tahimik at ligtas na komunidad ng isla Catanduanes," CATPPO's statement added.
CATPPO also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and order during the election period in Catanduanes.
