PAOCC, CIDG probe missing business couple, partner over P20M deal

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) are investigating the disappearance of business couple Henry and Margie Pantollana and their partner, Richard Cadiz, who have been missing for over two months.

CCTV footage shows the three leaving their Taguig City condo on July 6 in an SUV, which was later found in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

They were reportedly going to meet an individual known as 'alias Jeff' for a business deal involving stem cell products and luxury watches valued at approximately P20 million.

A relative stated the victims could no longer be contacted around 12 p.m. after leaving for a business transaction in Pasig City.

Family members became alarmed when a video call was answered by someone silent and off-camera after the trio failed to return.

No ransom demands have been made, but the family's concern intensified after discovering over a million pesos in credit card purchases made in Quezon City, Bulacan, and Cavite.

PAOCC executive director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz described the incident as a "business deal that went wrong" and suggested the suspects might have been interested in the undetermined amount of money and the P20 million watch the victims had.

The PNP has identified three persons of interest in connection with the disappearance.