There’s a plot twist in the kidnapping of a 14-year old Chinese student of an exclusive school in Taguig City, and it’s getting nasty.
Amid claims of “aggressive” and “technology-based” operation that led to the successful rescue of the boy on the night of Feb. 25 in Parañaque City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) appeared to have been cornered by netizens who have been questioning its narrative of how the boy was freed by his kidnappers.
On Saturday, March 1, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered the relief of the head of the Anti-Kidnapping Group over what he described as “adverse news reports and viral social media discussions questioning the legitimacy of a recent rescue operation.”
While the boy was already reunited with his family, a number of netizens, some of whom have an investigative background, raised the question on whether or not the PNP is indeed telling the truth behind the supposed rescue operation.
Based on the police report, the boy was rescued through the collaboration of the police and military via technical leads that were obtained based on intensified intelligence reports.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, for his part, said the police rescue teams used communications technology in locating the abductors and eventually the rescue of the boy who was kidnapped on Feb. 20 after attending a school activity.
His driver was found dead inside a car that was abandoned in Bulacan and the information obtained from the cellular phone recovered led the police to locate and identify the perpetrators.
The kidnappers initially demanded $20 million dollars as ransom and their parents were forced to pay by cutting off one of the fingers of the boy.
Both the PNP and Remulla insisted that there was no ransom paid.
Questionable narrative
There were valid concerns, however, questioning the police narrative on the supposed rescue of the boy given the violent nature of the kidnappers and their alleged background—some of those involved are reportedly former cops and soldiers.
There were also claims circulating in the social media that the boy was actually fetched by his uncle on the area where he was supposedly abandoned by his kidnappers.
It was that uncle who allegedly drove the boy to the St. Luke’s Hospital at the Bonifacio Global City.
Full transparency
In a bid to address the questions and concerns, Marbil ordered an investigation into the incident and sacked AKG head Police Col. Elmer Ragay, as part of the protocol.
While he acknowledged that the boy was recovered, Marbil emphasized the need for a thorough review to address growing public scrutiny and ensure full transparency.
“As public servants, we must be open to scrutiny and ensure that our actions reflect the highest standards of integrity. This review is meant to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and reinforce public trust in the PNP,” said Marbil.
“We assure the public that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly, holding accountable those responsible if any lapses are found while protecting the integrity of legitimate police operations,” he added.
Marbil also vowed cooperation on the Senate investigation scheduled next week.