The lack of clearance from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) forced the Philippine National Police (PNP) to nullify its order that relieved the head of its Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) in connection with the ongoing investigation into the questionable rescue operation of a 14-year old foreign student of an exclusive school in Taguig City.

Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the issuance of the relief order of Col. Elmer Ragay as AKG head was based on the interpretation of its Directorate for Personnel Records and Management (DPRM) that there was no need for Comelec clearance since the order did not require movement of its personnel from one position to another.

Based on the Comelec guideline, all replacements and movement of PNP personnel must be cleared first by the agency.

“The DPRM interpreted that it only involves transfer and movement. In the case of Colonel Ragay, there was no transfer or movement so the order was issued last Friday but however upon consultation with Comelec, the administrative relief of Col. Elmer Ragay is within the provisions ng Comelec Resolution No. 11059,” said Fajardo. 

“Hence, the issuance ng nullification ng relief order but we want to reiterate that the nullification order does not follow that investigation that was ordered by the Chief PNP should stop,” she added.

Ragay was reinstated to his post as AKG head as a result of the nullification of the relief order.

The boy was kidnapped on Feb. 20 and police said they rescued him a few days later in Parañaque City.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered the relief of Ragay amid the ongoing investigation over the reports that the kidnapped student was not rescued by the PNP as no one was even arrested. 

While the PNP and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla insisted that there was no ransom paid, rumors were circulating that the boy was only released and later picked up by his uncle after the parents paid $1 million.

“That is precisely one of the reasons why the chief PNP ordered for investigation because there are some clouds of doubt as to the manner ng operation as well as the alleged issue pertaining to the rescue,” said Fajardo.