Atienza to Tsinoys: No cause for alarm

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza downplayed yesterday the concerns of some Chinese-Filipino businessmen on the possible rise of kidnapping incidents in the city during the election season.

"There is only one case of killing suspected to be related to kidnapping. But there is no cause for panic. I do not see any pattern (in crime incidents)," said Atienza.

Earlier, members of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club led by their president George Lee called on Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa, the director of the Manila Police District (MPD), and have voiced their apprehension on the possible surge of kidnapping.

Atienza gave assurances that the police would be vigilant but he acknowledged the possibility of a crime upsurge in the coming weeks.

"We have considered the possibility that while the people would be busy with politics, criminal elements would take advantage of the situation," he said.

Atienza called on the MPD to remain alert. "They should focus on crime fighting and not to get involved in politics or other preoccupation."

He added that there was no rash of kidnappings in Manila during the last elections.

Abarzosa had earlier assured the Chinese-Filipino community that his force would do all it can to provide protection.

Chinese-Filipino businessmen fear a possible resurgence of kidnappings perpetrated by unscrupulous politicians to raise election campaign funds following the recent killing of businessman Lester Mancillia.

Mancillia, 34, who owned a plastic factory, was shot repeatedly by an assassin while on his way to a basketball practice last Sunday. He died at the Metropolitan Hospital. Mancillia is an uncle of a kidnap victim, Kenshi Yu.

Police Officer 2 Jay Santos, the officer-on-case, said Mancillia had instructed his drivers to take alternate routes shortly before the ambush.

"This proves that he may already be receiving death threats. However, he did not even mention the reason for changing routes even to his wife," Santos told The STAR, adding that the victim’s family hasn’t been able to provide useful information. — With Adolph Manintim, Nestor Etolle