Abducted motorcycle rider ‘missing’ for two weeks

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Dulom pa gid (We’re still in the dark).

This was how the police described the investigation on the alleged abduction of a motorcycle rider in Bago City, Negros Occidental two weeks ago.

Police Lieutenant Joseph Jaro, deputy police chief of Bago City Police Station, said there’s still no lead yet on the identities of the perpetrators.

This, despite a video circulating on social media that captured the alleged abduction of 32-year-old Johnson Ciervo Garfil in broad daylight in Barangay Abuanan on Jan. 18, 2022.

Police earlier said the video did not help much in the investigation because the escaping sports utility vehicle used by the unidentified perpetrators has no car plate, as well as the two motorcycles seen in the area.

Jaro said on Sunday that there’s still no progress yet on the investigation. In fact, the victim’s family is also waiting for an update from the police.

“Kabudlay pa gid sa gihapon, wala pa gid ta lead,” he added.

However, Jaro assured that they will continue to probe the incident.

Garfil was released on bail in November 2020 for violation of Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Jaro said they are still digging on the background of the victim, who was heard talking to someone on the phone asking for payment a few days prior to the incident.