Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil has designated Col. Paul Abay as the officer-in-charge of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG).
Abay’s new designation took effect February 28, the same day his immediate predecessor, Colonel Elmer Ragay was put on administrative relief, PNP Public Information Office (PIO) head Col. Randulf Tuaño announced yesterday.
A graduate of PNP Academy (PNPA) Class of 1997, Abay held key positions in the police force before his new designation, including Deputy Director for Administration and Chief of Staff of the AKG.
He was also director of the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office.
The PNP previously said Ragay was relieved “following adverse news reports and viral social media discussions questioning the legitimacy of a recent rescue operation” of a kidnapped 14-year-old Chinese student of the British School Manila.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marbil designates Abay as PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group OIC.”