The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently announced the revocation of the suspension order against Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) commander Colonel Elmer Ragay, reinstating him to his position. This decision comes amid ongoing investigations into the kidnapping of a 14-year-old Chinese student, sparking public attention.
The PNP stated that the decision to reinstate Ragay was based on Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 11059, Article 9, which prohibits the transfer of police personnel during the election period. Initially, the police believed that Ragay's suspension was not a transfer or reassignment, thus not requiring Comelec approval, but later adjusted the decision to reinstate him.
PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo emphasized that Ragay's reinstatement will not affect the investigation of the kidnapping case, as it is independently handled by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and promised that the investigation will remain transparent.
Regarding some media reports that "the police paid a $1 million ransom for the release of the hostage," Fajardo denied this and reiterated that Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla has clearly stated that the police successfully rescued the hostage through an operation, not by paying a ransom.
Additionally, the police also refuted another claim that the hostage was "picked up" from a private residence in Parañaque City rather than rescued, reaffirming the official version of the rescue process.
However, recent news indicates that Interior Minister Remulla and several senior officials were present at the scene when the victim was released. AKG Director Ragay revealed in his testimony that on February 25, following orders from his superiors, he led a team to carry out the rescue, but upon arrival, the victim was already alone on the street, unguarded. Subsequently, the police received instructions to "pick up the child" and escorted him to reunite with his father.
Despite the PNP's insistence on the official narrative, there are still doubts about the details of the kidnapping case. Reports suggest that the police may not have actually conducted a rescue, but rather arranged a "rescue operation" to cover up a transaction after reaching an agreement through paying a ransom.
In response to this case, some senators and civil organizations have called for an independent investigation to ascertain the truth. Philippine Senator Ronald Dela Rosa has expressed intentions to push for the reinstatement of the death penalty legislation in the Senate, particularly for severe kidnapping cases. He emphasized that such heinous crimes, where victims are mutilated or drivers killed, must be met with the severest penalties to deter criminals.
Currently, the PNP states that they will continue to thoroughly investigate the kidnapping case and ensure the investigation process is fair and transparent.
