The Philippine National Police (PNP) has decided to reinstate its Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) chief, who was recently dismissed amid concerns over a teen rescue operation.
Official documents state that PCOL ELMER ESQUIVEL RAGAY will remain in his position, as PNP’s Director for Personnel and Records Management, Constacio Chinayog Jr., signed off on the reversal on March 3. General Rommel Francisco Marbil approved it, citing election-related regulations that restrict personnel transfers.
Initially, Ragay’s removal was announced on March 1 due to legal questions raised in the media about the operation involving a Chinese teenager. While PNP declared the operation a success, the agency decided to revisit the details to address public inquiries and solidify transparency.
“We, as public servants, must remain transparent and uphold the highest integrity standards. This review aims to clarify the event details and reinforce the PNP’s public trust,” PNP chief Marbil remarked.
Following Ragay’s brief relief, AKG’s officer-in-charge was to be Paul Abay. However, with Ragay’s reinstatement, this change is no longer imminent.
The case brought attention after a teenager lost part of his pinky during his abduction linked to previously banned Chinese offshore gaming links. The teen, a 14-year-old Malaysian-Chinese from British School Manila, was rescued on February 25 in Parañaque City. Authorities intervened shortly after the abductors released him.
Unfortunately, the family driver was found dead in another location following the incident. The initial report by a Chinese newspaper brought significant attention to this case.