EDITORIAL - Another kidnapping

You can’t blame businessmen for issuing statements of concern about the peace and order situation. Apart from two Americans still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf and an Italian priest kidnapped by bandits in Mindanao, the wives of a French diplomat and even a police officer have been snatched. Officials of the Philippine National Police dropped hints that politics was involved in the abduction of the two women, both of whom were released without payment of ransom. Similar suspicions have been raised in a number of other kidnapping cases since the start of the Arroyo administration.

Perhaps the kidnappings are being perpetrated mainly to destabilize the administration. But whether the motive is money or politics, the crimes must be stopped. This week the 14-year-old daughter of a prominent dermatologist was reportedly kidnapped in Mandaluyong City on her way to school. Angela Pineda was with three schoolmates, two nannies and a driver in a van when waylaid by armed men. There has been no word about the case.

Pineda’s kidnapping was believed to have triggered a major PNP reshuffle on Tuesday. The PNP also reactivated a task force against organized crime particularly kidnap-pings. PNP officials said civilians will be deputized and armed, rewards will be offered, police visibility increased and more equipment obtained for anti-kidnapping operations. President Arroyo, for her part, said she would seek help from the United States, Britain and Israel for help in fighting kidnappers.

All these moves are welcome, but the most welcome will be the arrest and incarceration of kidnappers. Several suspects have been appre-hended and put behind bars, but there is a public impression that the crooks remain a step ahead of law enforcers. This week American businessmen pointed out that they were particularly worried about criminality because foreigners were being targeted. Philippine businessmen also complained about peace and order problems that have persisted for a long time. 

Yesterday several Filipino hostages regained their freedom from the Abu Sayyaf, but not because they were rescued by government troops. The fleeing terrorists let go of the hostages to avoid being slowed down. From Metro Manila to Mindanao kidnappers are having a field day. Law enforcers need to score big if they want to send the message that they’re winning the fight against kidnappers.