PNP anti-kidnap chief relieved amid questions on abducted Chinese’ rescue

INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP AKG) was administratively relieved pending an investigation into the rescue operation of a Chinese teenager.

This directive is taking effect amid a “public scrutiny” over the way the activity was reported.

According to the order made public on Saturday, PNP AKG Director Col. Elmer Ragay’s relief was effective on Friday.

In a separate statement also on Saturday, the PNP said the order stemmed from the case of a 14-year-old Chinese student who was reported missing on Feb. 20.

It cited a “need for a thorough review to address growing public scrutiny and ensure full transparency.”

According to the PNP, the move followed “adverse news reports and viral social media discussions questioning the legitimacy” of the operation that supposedly recovered the Chinese victim.

The AKG was reportedly not responsible for the operation, despite the PNP’s statement on Wednesday that attributed the recovery of the Chinese minor to the PNP’s anti-kidnapping arm.

“This review is meant to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and reinforce public trust in the PNP,” Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said in the statement.

READ: Missing 14-year-old Chinese national found in Parañaque – PNP

The police also said a Senate probe will be conducted to look into the matter next week.

PNP is pledging full cooperation in the investigation.

The teenager was found by the authorities that were pursuing the suspected captors along Macapagal Avenue in Parañaque City last Tuesday.

READ: Suspects in Chinese teen’s abduction tied to past kidnappings – PNP