Vehicle linked to kidnapping of businessman found in QC — HPG

A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) believed to be linked to the kidnapping of a businessman was found in Quezon City on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group (HPG) said Thursday.

In a statement, the HPG said the black luxury vehicle was discovered on Seminary Road in Barangay Bahay Toro, Project 6 after a tip on its suspicious presence in the area.

Nearby residents said the vehicle was left there around 4 p.m. on March 29 by two unidentified men wearing hooded clothing, according to the HPG.

The vehicle was previously reported as missing in connection with a kidnap-for-ransom case.

On March 31, a close family member of the victim reached out to the HPG after the vehicle was allegedly used during the abduction of the businessman on March 29.

"Initial reports indicate that the victim was last seen departing from his place of business in Valenzuela City, accompanied by his driver, for a scheduled meeting in Parañaque City," the HPG said.

"The following day, the victim's relatives reportedly received a message through a mobile messaging platform claiming responsibility for the abduction and demanding a multimillion-dollar ransom," it added.

HPG chief Police Brigadier General Eleazar Matta said the discovery of the vehicle was a crucial step in helping investigators in resolving the crime. — VDV, GMA Integrated News