The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) on Friday denied reports of a kidnapping in the municipality of Baclayon, saying a review of official records and police blotters showed no reported or confirmed abduction matching claims in a viral video, the second such incident to roil the province in as many weeks.

The BPPO said it was not dismissing the matter despite the absence of verified complaints, and has directed the Baclayon Municipal Police Station to lead a comprehensive investigation into the footage.

The Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Unit is conducting a parallel inquiry.

Investigators are working to verify the video’s authenticity, identify the individuals shown and establish the actual circumstances surrounding the recording.

The Baclayon video surfaced as Bohol authorities continue to grapple with the fallout from a separate viral video filmed on March 11, 2026 near the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City, which showed four men with faces covered forcing a young man into a white car, with bystanders nearby who did not intervene.

That incident triggered a provincial and national response.

Gov. Aris Aumentado offered a P50,000 reward for information leading to the identification or arrest of the perpetrators, while Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap relieved city police chief Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober and replaced him with Lt. Col. Judy Mar Bonilla, saying the move was “not a judgment of guilt” but was necessary to allow a deeper, impartial investigation.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. subsequently ordered heightened police visibility nationwide, directing all units to intensify patrols in urban centers, transport hubs and commercial areas.

As in the Baclayon case, no formal complaint was filed in the Tagbilaran incident.

Authorities said they learned about it only after the video began circulating online, prompting police to go to the area to verify the situation.

No family member of the alleged victim has since filed a complaint.

A check with the Land Transportation Office revealed the vehicle’s plate number was registered to a motorcycle, raising the possibility that suspects used a stolen or counterfeit plate.

On the Baclayon video, the BPPO warned the public against spreading unverified content, saying misinformation could trigger unnecessary fear and panic.

Authorities said they would release updates once verified information is available.

“Public safety and security remain our top priority,” the BPPO said.