On its own initiative, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will investigate the “involuntary disappearance” of Fr. Leoben Peregrino, the rector and parish priest of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary-Reina de Caracol in Rosario, Cavite.
Fr. Peregrino went missing on April 1 after he left the parish to buy candles. He did not return and was later found alive with his hands tied inside his vehicle in Silang, Cavite on April 3.
The CHR has expressed “grave concern” over the incident which it has called a “serious human rights violation.”
“It impinges on an individual's right to liberty and security, and, in extreme cases, may even result in violation of the right to life,” it said in a statement.
It has called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to pursue the case until the perpetrators of the crime are held to account.
Reports stated that Fr. Peregrino is recovering from the incident and his family has requested for privacy. “We hope for Father Peregrino's fast recovery,” the CHR said.