PACER vows to curb projected rise in kidnappings

MANILA, Philippines - The Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER), the anti-kidnapping arm of the Philippine National Police, is preparing to curb the possible increase in kidnap for ransom cases in the coming months.

Senior Superintendent Isagani Nerez, PACER chief, said kidnap for ransom cases usually increase before the opening of classes, during the vacation of college students or holidays.

“During the months of September, October, November and December there are many holidays. So we are preparing for it (kidnappings). We are preparing for it. We will reverse the trend,” said Nerez.

Nerez said PACER is coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Filipino-Chinese community through the Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO) to monitor suspected kidnap groups.

He said the help of the community in the fight against kidnapping is very valuable and PACER is helping the Filipino-Chinese community organize itself against kidnapping.

Nerez said kidnap gangs have also victimized members of the Filipino-Indian community.

PACER said police operations from January to July this year have led to the weakening of several kidnapping gangs and 29 gang men were arrested.

Among the gangs that were crippled by the police operations are the Masbate Group, remnants of the Waray-Waray Group and the Apeng Santos Group.

The Apeng Santos Group gained notoriety for its method of keeping its victims aboard moving vehicles instead of safehouses while gang members negotiate with the relatives for the ransom.