By I. Inojales | 06:26 PM March 12, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Bohol Chapter has strongly condemned the alleged kidnapping incident in Barangay Dao, Tagbilaran City, after a video showing masked men forcibly taking an individual surfaced online.
In an official statement, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Bohol Chapter said the video showed four masked men in civilian clothing taking an adult male in broad daylight near the Dao Bus Terminal area in Tagbilaran City.
The group described the incident as disturbing, noting that several people appeared to have witnessed the incident but did not intervene.
“We understand that fear is real. Ordinary men and women may be afraid to act in the face of violence, uncertainty, and danger,” the IBP Bohol said in its statement.
The organization, however, stressed that it must speak out against what it described as a brazen act of criminality committed in broad daylight and in full view of the community.
The IBP Bohol also raised concern over what it called a growing public perception that such incidents are becoming the “new normal,” particularly with reports or videos circulating of individuals being taken under suspicious circumstances and later reappearing as persons supposedly arrested for drug-related offenses.
“Whether that perception is correct in any particular case, the fact that it has taken root reveals a serious erosion of public trust and a deepening fear among our people,” the group said.
The IBP Bohol called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, immediate, and impartial investigation into the incident, emphasizing that the public deserves to know the truth.
It also urged authorities to be more visible, vigilant, and proactive in protecting the public to help restore confidence in law enforcement.
The lawyers’ group said restoring public faith in the justice system requires action and accountability, stressing that Boholanos should not accept fear, lawlessness, or violence as part of everyday life.
The IBP Bohol also expressed its commitment to work with law enforcement agencies, the Department of Justice, and the judiciary to ensure that the incident is fully investigated and that justice is served.
