Cops gather clues on missing Zambales lawyer

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – Police continue to gather evidence to solve the disappearance of a Zambales lawyer who has gone missing since last week.

The lawyer, Joe Frank Zuñiga, 54, who is also a Methodist pastor, left his house in Balanga City onboard a red car on the night of June 20 and was reportedly headed to the Subic Bay Freeport. He failed to return home and his car was found the following day along the riverbank in Botolan, Zambales.

So far, police said scene of the crime operatives were able to lift four latent prints and find a number of receipts that could help solve the case.

Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao, Region 3 police director, said Zuñiga is still considered a missing person and not a kidnap victim.

However, Ladao said the case has been referred to the anti-kidnapping unit at Camp Crame.