PACER monitoring 2 kidnap cases

As the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its campaign against kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) gangs, two more live cases have been reported in Metro Manila, according to officials of the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER).

Superintendent Alan Purisima of PACER said his unit is still monitoring the cases, which are among 25 cases reported for this year.

"There are two individuals still being held by KFR gangs, but we cannot provide details," he said.

Apparently stung by criticisms that kidnapping is on the rise, PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said there is a need for more community involvement in solving kidnapping cases.

"Definitely, we have been successful in going after them, but we need the cooperation of the community," he said.

As if to prove it has not wavered in the campaign to curb kidnapping, the PNP rearrested four escaped kidnappers tagged in last Friday’s abduction of trader Danilo Tiu in Antipolo City.

Presented to the media yesterday were Primo Arena, also tagged in the kidnapping of Channie Tan Son in 1999; Antonio Tan alias William Alcantara and Benjamin Dy, both earlier jailed for kidnapping four Chinese children in 1998. All three escaped from the Quezon City Jail last Feb. 11 only to be rearrested by the police.

Combined elements of the Western Police District, Military Intelligence Group 15 and PACER nabbed the fourth suspect identified as Demetrio Manliclic, who acted as driver of the gang in the Tiu kidnapping.

Purisima did not reveal the details of the recent arrest to avoid jeopardizing ongoing pursuit operations against other gang members.

During interrogation, the group reportedly also owned up to several abductions, Purisima said.

Recovered from the suspects were three small firearms and ammunition.

"We have not wavered in our commitment to neutralize identified KFR groups that account for the majority of incidents. The arrest of these suspects is the concrete proof of what vigilance from the community can do in the drive to stop kidnapping," Ebdane said in a statement.