Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered yesterday the relief of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) chief pending investigation on the “questionable” rescue story of an abducted Chinese student in Taguig City.
Marbil relieved AKG head Police Col. Elmer Ragay following “adverse news reports and viral social media discussions questioning the legitimacy of a recent rescue operation.”
While the 14-year-old boy was already reunited with his family, a number of netizens raised the question on whether or not the PNP is indeed telling the truth behind the supposed rescue operation.
Based on the police report, the boy was rescued through the collaboration of the police and military via technical leads that were obtained based on intensified intelligence reports.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, for his part, said the police rescue teams used communications technology in locating the abductors and eventually the rescue of the boy who was kidnapped on Feb. 20 after attending a school activity.
His driver was found dead inside a car that was abandoned in Bulacan and the information obtained from the cellular phone recovered led the police to locate and identify the perpetrators.
The kidnappers initially demanded $20 million dollars as ransom and their parents were forced to pay by cutting off one of the fingers of the boy.
Both the PNP and Remulla insisted that there was no ransom paid.
There were valid concerns, however, questioning the police narrative on the supposed rescue of the boy given the violent nature of the kidnappers and their alleged background—some of those involved are reportedly former cops and soldiers.
There were also claims circulating on social media that the boy was actually fetched by his uncle in the area where he was supposedly abandoned by his kidnappers.
It was that uncle who allegedly drove the boy to the St. Luke’s Hospital at the Bonifacio Global City.
In a bid to address the questions and concerns, Marbil ordered an investigation into the incident and relieved Ragay as part of the protocol.
While he acknowledged that the boy was recovered, Marbil emphasized the need for a thorough review to address growing public scrutiny and ensure full 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,” said Marbil.
“We assure the public that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly, holding accountable those responsible if any lapses are found while protecting the integrity of legitimate police operations,” he added.
Marbil also vowed cooperation in the Senate investigation scheduled next week. (Aaron Recuenco)
