Marbil orders admin relief of PNP-AKG head
PHILIPPINE National Police chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has ordered the administrative relief of PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) acting director, Colonel Elmer E. Ragay following adverse news and viral social media discussions questioning the legitimacy of the rescue of a kidnapped 14-year-old student from the British School Manila.
In a press statement, the top cop acknowledged that the boy was recovered but emphasized the need for a thorough review to address growing public scrutiny and concerns regarding the reported rescue operation in Paraañque City last Tuesday evening 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 the PNP chief of the February 20 kidnapping incident which set off alarms, particularly among the business community and the rich due to its brazenness and brutality.
Gen. Marbil likewise said that while they are conducting their own internal investigation into the matter, they will fully cooperate in the Senate investigation scheduled next week.
Gen. Marbil also assured the public that the investigation will be conducted squarely, holding accountable those responsible while protecting the integrity of legitimate police operations.
Last Tuesday evening, PNP-AKG agents, joined by members of the National Capital Region Police Office and the Armed Forces of the Philippines rescued the 14-year-old Chinese student kidnapped in Taguig City last February 20.
The boy who was abandoned by his captors was rescued along Macapagal Avenue, Parañaque City at around 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla said that the victim’s family and the Chinese leader of the kidnappers allegedly were former operators of lucrative online gambling outfits and ‘scam farms’ hiding under hundreds of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator or POGO establishments which flourished under the former Duterte administration until they were ordered shut last year by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
