PNP backs Reyes’ anti-kidnap drive

The Philippine National Police (PNP) defended yesterday the creation of a task force led by newly designated anti-kidnapping czar Angelo Reyes to address the increasing number of kidnap-for-ransom cases in the country.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil said the PNP, under the leadership of Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., fully supports Reyes’ designation as chief of the new anti-kidnapping task force.

In a television interview, Bataoil said the PNP has recognized that the kidnapping problem has become so complex it needs the cooperation and coordination of different law enforcement agencies and other government offices.

"It’s a recognition of the complex problem of kidnap-for-ransom. There is a need for orchestration and harnessing of efforts of the different agencies," he said.

When President Arroyo designated Ebdane as PNP chief in July last year, his marching orders were to stamp out the kidnap-for-ransom menace.

Ebdane earlier expressed concern that kidnappings may increase in the next few months. He attributed it to politicians who may raise campaign funds for the May 2004 national and local elections through kidnap-for-ransom activities.

The President designated Reyes, who resigned as defense secretary a month after the July 27 mutiny, as ambassador-at-large for terrorism.

Reyes has vowed to neutralize the kidnapping incidents because of Justice, Philippine Army and the private sector.

He added that the success of the government’s campaign against kidnappers and other criminals lies in the cooperation of civilians, coupled with proper public advocacy and dissemination of information.