PNP launches new anti-kidnapping force

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a new anti-kidnapping force to deal with the problem, particularly in Mindanao.

PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) would replace the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER), which had been deactivated under a resolution approved by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

The PACER was created on July 27, 2002 amid the spate of kidnappings in the country.

“With more personnel, PNP-AKG can deliver more accomplishments in the fight against kidnapping perpetrated by organized crime and terrorist groups,” Bartolome said.

The PNP chief said the AKG would be the primary unit of the PNP in handling all kidnapping cases and hostage negotiations nationwide.

Senior Superintendent Isagani Nerez, the head of the defunct PACER, will continue to lead the group.

In his report to Bartolome, Nerez said the number of reported kidnapping cases dropped from 82 in 2003 to 11 in 2011, with PACER’s effort.

Nerez said the AKG would provide training to police personnel in Mindanao to address the problem on kidnapping for ransom in the region.

Kidnappings in Mindanao have reportedly frightened off would-be-investors and tourists and allowed al-Qaeda linked groups like the Abu Sayyaf to finance terrorists.

“The AKG vision is that by the year 2030, the group shall be a highly capable unit with well-trained and equipped personnel working in partnership with the community,” said Nerez.

“AKG will be manned by trained negotiators, investigators, crisis managers and tactical officers.”