No clues on missing Isabela Filipino-Chinese couple

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines  – Authorities remain mum as to their investigation on the possible whereabouts of the Isabela-based Filipino-Chinese couple, who has been missing since last week.

“Right now we can’t speculate on their conditions,” said Chief Inspector Roberto Bucad, information officer of the Isabela provincial police office, over the possible conditions of the missing Pua spouses, Lucio, 42; and Rosemarie, 40; of Alicia town, Isabela.

The police’s statement came amid fears that the wealthy couple, known rice and palay traders in Isabela, has been abducted by a kidnap-for-ransom group or already victimized by robbers.

Authorities said they could not yet divulge any information about them until they are able to establish their conditions so as not to pre-empt or jeopardize the progress of their intelligence work.

Last Thursday, the couple’s maroon Honda CRV car was found abandoned at the back of a private hospital in Santiago City, about 20 kilometers from Echague town where they were last heard of.

“We are still establishing their possible whereabouts although their car was already found,” said Bucad, declining to comment further as to speculations that the couple could have been abducted or victimized by lawless elements.

Isabela police director Senior Superintendent Jimmy Rivera, said he had already ordered their men to intensify their search for the Pua couple, who reportedly had in their possession some P1.3 million at the time of their disappearance.

The couple, along with business partner, Gemma Estrada, has not been found since Sept. 6 or after they went out to collect payment for their palay from a fellow trader, one Jaylord Dimal in neighboring Echague town about 4 p.m.

Their families, according to reports, have been silent on speculations that the three could have been kidnapped or victims of robbery.

The last time they heard of their whereabouts, reports said, was when Estrada sent a text message to her husband that they were already on their way back home about 6 p.m.