The head of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) was officially relieved of his position amid concerns over the operation to rescue a kidnapped Chinese victim earlier this week.
The relief of PNP-AKG acting director Col. Elmer Ragay raised more questions over the rescue operation.
In a statement, the PNP said the relief was ordered “following adverse news reports and viral social media discussions questioning the legitimacy of a recent rescue operation involving a 14-year-old student from the British School Manila.”
While not giving specifics, the PNP said key points under investigation include why the PNP-AKG did not lead the rescue operation, why no suspects were arrested, and the circumstances surrounding the victim’s recovery.
The PNP, however, did not say which police unit led the rescue operation.
PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil underscored the need for a comprehensive review to address public concerns and ensure transparency.
“As public servants, we must be open to scrutiny and ensure that our actions reflect the highest standards of integrity. This review is meant to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and reinforce public trust in the PNP,” he added.
Marbil said the PNP would cooperate in the Senate investigation scheduled next week.
“We respect the Senate’s authority to look into this matter and will extend our full cooperation in the proceedings,” he said.
The PNP chief assured the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, holding accountable those responsible if any lapses are found while protecting the integrity of legitimate police operations.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said the kidnappers tried and failed to obtain a ransom, initially at $20 million before lowering it to $1 million.
Remulla said at one point, the kidnappers sent the parents a video of the 14-year-old kidnap victim’s finger being severed before they were tracked down on Tuesday and pursued by police who homed in on their cell phone signal.
The abductors ditched the victim during the police pursuit, Remulla said.
“The choice was pursuing the vehicle or securing the child. Obviously, the (police) prioritized the child,” the Interior said, adding that a manhunt remains underway.
The boy’s driver, who had picked him up outside an exclusive private school days earlier, was found murdered inside another vehicle in Bulacan.
Remulla said the kidnappers, like their target, were Chinese nationals part of a “sophisticated” syndicate with ties to the now-banned POGOs, Remulla said.
Notorious as fronts for human trafficking, money laundering and fraud, POGOs were banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year, sending those who worked for them in search of new income streams.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission head Gilberto Cruz said there were still about 11,000 Chinese nationals in the country after the gambling sites they worked for were shuttered.
“Some have turned to other crimes, but we can’t provide numbers as of now,” Cruz said, adding that some had likely ventured into “kidnapping operations.”
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group chief relieved from post.”