NCRPO adds checkpoints to curb kidnaps in Metro

MANILA, Philippines - To curb kidnap for ransom incidents in Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Police Anti Crime Emergency Response (PACER) reactivated yesterday at least 11 checkpoints at the boundary Metro Manila shares with Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal provinces.

NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said personnel from Special Action Force and Regional Mobile Group would man the checkpoints on a 24-hour basis.

“The checkpoints would serve as permanent detachments of tactical forces that will complement and support PACER’s operations against (kidnap) syndicates,” said Rosales.

PACER records disclosed that since January 2009 up to the present, three kidnap for ransom cases were recorded in Metro Manila.

The checkpoints would be placed under PACER’s operational control in an actual kidnapping, he said, adding that it would also serve to curb carjacking, robberies and other crimes.

Rosales explained that the activation of checkpoints is NCRPO’s response to President Arroyo’s directive of for the police to go down hard on kidnap for ransom syndicates in Metro Manila.

During the recent anti-kidnapping for ransom workshop held at Camp Bagong Diwa, in Bicutan, Taguig City, PACER director Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said any kidnap for ransom case would automatically be handled by the PACER.

Other abduction cases, including those involving foreign nationals, would be investigated by police territorial units, he stressed. – Non Alquitran