PNP chief nullifies relief of AKG acting director due to election ban

Police Colonel Elmer Ragay, acting director of the PNP-Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), was initially relieved from his post due to questions surrounding the rescue of a 14-year-old Chinese student.

The student was abducted on Feb. 20 after leaving school, with their driver killed and the victim's finger severed during the violent kidnapping.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla linked the kidnapping to a syndicate previously associated with POGO operations and identified Chinese fugitive Wang Dan Yu as a suspect.

Ragay's relief followed an investigation by the CIDG that revealed discrepancies between the AKG's account of the rescue and the actual events.

However, the PNP nullified the order to relieve Ragay on March 3, citing a Commission on Elections resolution that prohibits the transfer of personnel during the election period.

The AKG was alleged not to have been responsible for the operation despite the PNP's initial statement attributing the recovery to them.

PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil stated that an internal review is necessary to clarify events and strengthen public trust.

The PNP will cooperate with the upcoming Senate investigation into the matter.