PNP anti-kidnapping chief axed over slew of abductions

Col. Elmer Regay | Anti-Kidnapping Group/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) anti-kidnapping arm has been relieved from duty over the abduction and killing of a Chinese businessman, as well as other recent kidnapping incidents.

This was confirmed by PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo in an interview with reporters at Camp Crame on Thursday.

“We would like to confirm that Brigadier General Elmer Ragay has been relieved as  Anti-Kidnapping Group Director,” Fajardo said.

READ: PNP nullifies order to sack anti-kidnap chief due to poll-related rule

When asked if the recent abduction and killing of a Chinese businessman led to Ragay’s relief as anti-kidnapping chief, Fajardo answered, “Not only about this case, on the way they handled this case, but also in previous cases.”

Fajardo also confirmed to reporters that Chinese steel businessman Congyuan Guo (also known as Anson Tan or Anson Que) and his driver were found dead on Wednesday, after they were reported missing on March 30.

“This is all the chief wants to say: he is not satisfied with the performance,” Fajardo added.

READ: PNP: PH is ‘calm,’ no reports of harassment of Chinese nationals

Ragay was previously relieved over alleged irregularities in the recovery of a 14-year-old Chinese in Parañaque City last February.

However, the initial relief order was nullified, citing a Commission on Elections (Comelec) rule against the transfer of detail.

Fajardo added that the new relief order against Ragay was effective on Thursday, assigning Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Deputy Director Col. David Poklay as the replacement.