Police official belies kidnap raps

DAVAO CITY — The operations officer of a General Santos City-based police task force created to go after the "Pentagon" kidnap-for-ransom gang belied allegations yesterday that he had a hand in the recent spate of abductions in Southern Mindanao.

"I vehemently deny all the accusations and I will answer all of them in the proper forum. They are not true and I can prove that," Superintendent Willy Dangani told The STAR in a phone interview.

Three of the 16 arrested suspects in the recent abduction of Ma. Cecilia Bonifacio, a daughter of a vehicle manufacturer, and her two female companions alleged that Dangani was a protector of the Pentagon gang.

One of the three who named Dangani as the Pentagon’s alleged protector was Jerry Saligan, said to be a satellite leader of the kidnap-for-ransom group.

Dangani, it was alleged, earned at least P5 million from the abduction of 50-year-old Canadian national Pierre Belanguer.

"It is really sad... My family has suffered so much from this. My children are crying until now. They have been so badly affected," Dangani said.

He added: "I am a decorated officer. I have received many awards for my numerous accomplishments in my various assignments. How could I have done what they have accused me of doing?"

Although he has not met with Philippine National Police chief Director General Leandro Mendoza on the matter, he said he has received instructions to go on with his work.

Dangani said he is willing to submit himself to any investigation into the allegations.