MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recalled the relief of its Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) chief just days after he was sacked over issues in the rescue of a teen last week.
“The administrative relief of PCOL ELMER ESQUIVEL RAGAY 0-09663, PNP AKG, as published in General Orders No. 54 NHQ PNP dated February 28, 2025 is nullified,” said the order dated March 3 signed by PNP’s Director for Personnel and Records Management Constacio Chinayog Jr., and approved by PNP chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil.
In rescinding the administrative relief, the PNP cited section 9, rule 4 of Commission on Election Resolution No. 11059, which prohibits the transfer of public officials, including PNP personnel, from January 12 to June 11, 2025, or the election period.
Marbil announced Ragay’s relief on Saturday, March 1, following reports and social media posts that questioned the legality of the Chinese teen’s rescue.
Although the PNP said their rescue of the teen was successful, they needed to review the incident to address the public’s questions and ensure transparency on their operations.
“Bilang mga lingkod-bayan, dapat tayong maging bukas sa pagsisiyasat at tiyakin na ang ating mga aksyon ay sumasalamin sa pinakamataas na pamantayan ng integridad,” the PNP chief said. “Ang review na ito ay para malinawan ang mga pangyayari at mapatatag ang tiwala ng publiko sa PNP.”
(As public servants, we should be open to probes and should ensure that our actions reflect the highest standards of integrity. This review is to clarify the things that have happened and to strengthen the public’s trust on the PNP.)
After Ragay’s relief, PNP Public Information Office chief Randulf Tuaño announced that Police Colonel Paul Abay, Ragay’s No. 2 man, will act as AKG’s officer-in-charge. However, this will not push through following Ragay’s reinstatement.
Authorities reported last week that the teenager had lost part of his right pinky finger after he was abducted in relation to a crime involving Chinese nationals previously engaged in now-banned offshore gaming operations. Authorities said they rescued the teen on February 25, after the kidnappers left the child in the middle of a street in Parañaque City, and after cops closed in on the perpetrators.
A local Chinese newspaper in Manila initially reported that the teen is a 14-year-old male Malaysian-Chinese senior high student from a school in Taguig City. In his statement on Saturday, Marbil referred to the boy’s school as “British School Manila.”
The teen was abducted on February 20, at around 3:45 pm, after his class dismissal at 2:40 pm. He was picked up by the family driver, who was later found dead in another vehicle in San Rafael, Bulacan, north of Manila. – Rappler.com