Cebu city: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a thorough investigation to identify and arrest the suspects behind the brazen abduction of a car dealer in Cebu City, an incident captured on video that later went viral on social media. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage circulating online showed the victim being forcibly taken in broad daylight near the Miranza Center in Banilad, Cebu City, on May 11.

According to Philippines News Agency, the victim was fortunately found alive the following morning in Naga, but the seriousness of the incident prompted PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to order follow-up operations to identify and arrest those responsible. "The PNP is treating this reported abduction case with utmost urgency and we are committed to determine the facts and identify those responsible," Nartatez said in a statement.

Investigators are determining whether the incident was a kidnapping or linked to a financial dispute involving the buy-and-sell and pawning of vehicles. The victim claimed the incident stemmed from dealings with a man involving a PHP1.8-million vehicle transaction and PHP150,000 in unpaid interest. Police have identified a person of interest and are also looking into possible links to illegal vehicle schemes such as "rent-tangay" and "rent-sangla."

Investigators believe the case may be isolated rather than connected to a larger kidnapping syndicate. As part of the initial response, police units in Central Visayas began securing footage from nearby establishments in Banilad and mapping possible escape routes used during the incident. "I have directed PRO-7 and the Cebu City Police Office to fast-track the investigation and preserve all possible evidence to ensure swift case resolution," Nartatez said.