Kidnappers’ nemesis feted Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, as PNP-AKG marks 12th founding anniversary
NEMESIS of kidnappers from the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) headed by Brigadier General Cosme A. Abrenica will be honored today, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, as the PNP-AKG marks its 12th founding anniversary at Camp Crame amid its success in curbing down kidnappings-for-ransom in the country last year.
The PNP leadership headed by General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. has cited men and women of the PNP-AKG and their different partners in the government and other stakeholders for maintaining their dedication to combat the kidnapping menace and manage hostage-crisis situation across the nation.
Gen. Acorda will be assisted by Brig. Gen. Abrenica in giving medals and plaques of appreciation to the following AKG personnel who have been adjudged as outstanding in their respective categories:
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald D. Patricio, Captain Adrian James A. Albaytar, Police Chief Master Sergeant Rodel P. Hupa, Police Staff Sgt. Nelson G. Santiago, Lt. Col. Lawrence Gerald A. Bathan, Patrolman Miriam M. Lorenzo, Captain Franklin P. Dumalaog, Police MSgt. Melchor L. Fanguigas, Cpt. Abraham S. Momongan,
Police MSgt. Jonard C. Comahig, Cpt. Benedicto P. Cuyco Jr., Pat. Howard M. Sta. Ana, Cpt. Merigreene P. Malana, Police Chief MSgt. Carlito T. Aso, Major Mark Anthony D. Sarno, Police Chief MSgt. Michael Q. Mendoza, Lt. Jeremy L. Caymo, Police Executive MSgt. Aldrin B. Tayaban, Lt. Col. Lowelber L. Ceralvo and Police Chief MSgt. Gilberto M. Bibar.
Also to receive awards from the PNP-AKG are Attorney Matthew M. David of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, retired Army Cpt. Mel A. Hallar of MJFox Security Consultancy Services, Intelligence Officer 2 Rendel Ryan D. Sy of the Bureau of Immigration, Korean Police Attache Maj. Woong Hahm, Ms. Corazon D. Ong of the CDO Fodsphere Inc., Ms. Lenisa C. Simpel of the Lenichem Enterprises, Engineer Kim M. Guiquing of NLEX Service Corporation and Mr. Rodinio D. Ramos of the Land Transportation Office.
Special awards will also be given to the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc,, the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order, the PNP-AKG Advisory Group chaired by Professor Liana M. Barro and the Far Eastern University Institute of Arts and Sciences.
Tracing its roots from various anti-kidnapping task forces created by the PNP to combat organized kidnapping activities, the PNP-AKG was activated And after several transitions, this Group was activated thru National Police Commission Resolution Number 2012-027 on January 19, 2012,with a mission to conduct police operations and investigation on kidnapping for ransom with the active support of the community.
Today, Tuesday,it envisions to be a highly-capable, with well-trained and equipped personnel working in partnership with the community to address kidnapping-for-ransom incidents and handle hostage situations and ensure the safety of the community by Year 2030.
The AKG operates through three regional units nationwide: the Luzon Field Unit, Visayas Field Unit, and the Mindanao Field Unit. This geographical distribution ensures a comprehensive and strategic approach in adressing kidnapping and related criminal activities across the country.
From the year 2019 to year 2023, The AKG recorded a total of 219 kidnapping incidents although it is proud to say that the kidnapping trend has been reduced over the past five years. Notably, the crime trend was reduced for the past 5 years.
For the past five years covering the year 2019 to 2023, the unit handled 219 kidnapping cases of which 149 or 68.04 percent were solved. Another 23 were declared as cleared’ while 47 or 21.6 percent are still under investigation.
In 2023, the PNP-AKG recorded a total of 26 solved cases.
Last year saw the PNP-AKG conducting honest and aggressive law enforcement operations which led in the safe rescue of 23 victims, the capture of 50 suspects and the surrender of two others.
Notable of these accomplishments was the successful rescue operation on October 5, 2023 in Calamba City, Laguna, wherein a Korean National Victim was safely rescued by AKG agents who also arrested one of the Chinese kidnappers.
Another operation led in the safe rescue of a Chinese and a Hongkong national who were kidnapped in Parañaque City last October 18. Five of the suspects were arrested in a series of follow-up operations.
Last year also saw the PNP-AKG arresting dismissed policeman Magdaleno Pacia Jr., tagged as the 5th most wanted kidnapper in the country on the strength of a warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with homicide.
The suspect was captured on July 2, 2023 . His group was involved in a series of kidnapping in 2017 and robbery victimizing Chinese national. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered contrabands such as grenade, firearms with fake license, multiple SIM cards, a police uniform, and identification cards with multiple fake identities.
Another notable PNP-AKG accomplishment in 2023 is the arrest of the leaders and members of Madriaga KFR Group on July 12 following a massive manhunt operation. The Madriaga KFR Group gained notoriety for its kidnapping activities in Metro Manila , with most of their victims Chinese nationals.
The group’s activities had resulted in the loss of innocent lives, including the tragic death of AKG agent, Corporal Joshua Linggayo during a gunbattle with members of the syndicate in Pililia, Rizal in June 2022.
