REVILLA TO PNP: CHECK KIDNAPPINGS, WITH OR WITHOUT RANSOM

In the wake of the reported rise of kidnapping incidents in Metro Manila, Senator Bong Revilla urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to check the said report instead of belittling it as non-KFR cases.

The senator stressed that the PNP will be put in a bad light if it will continue ignore the increase of kidnapping incidents in the Metro Manila because most of it did not fall under Kidnap for Ransom (KFR).

"Let me remind the PNP that it is mandated to protect all citizens, including our poor and not so rich countrymen. Kidnapping, with or without ransom, is still a crime and the PNP should address this problem," said Revilla.

The lawmaker is referring to report of Crusade Against Crime and Corruption (CACC) Chairperson Teresita Ang-See that there were 49 cases of kidnapping so far this year which the PNP refuted. PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa acknowledged there were 21 kidnapping cases reported from January to March 2009, of which only five are KFR cases while 16 others "do not fall under kidnap-for-ransom but fall under different motives and perpetrated not necessarily for ransom."

"Even our countrymen who were criminally violated without money involved should be protected. And this includes those who were kidnapped with no motive of ransom ," Revilla explained.

Revilla warned the PNP that kidnapping incidents will surely continue to increase if it will not be addressed effectively and as soon as possible.

He pointed out that kidnappers, small time or highly organized, will be more confident in continuing their illegal activity as long as they are not caught and punished.

"I do not know if there is quota in the number of kidnappings before the PNP will intensify its campaign. What I know is that this should not be a numbers game. " he said.

Police said other kidnapping incidents are categorized under terrorism-related cases, collections of debts, drug-related cases, human trafficking, staged by house helps, hulidap, kidnap me, and others under still undetermined motives.

"Regardless of motive, it is still kidnapping and kidnapping is a crime. The PNP and other law-enforcement agencies must look into it," Revilla added.