Thursday, December 04, 2003
Naktaf open to foreign help; intensifies operations vs. kidnappers
By Miko Santos and Benjamin Pulta
* But Datumanong turns down call for FBI help in kidnapping cases
NATIONAL Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (Naktaf) chief Angelo Reyes is open to seeking the help of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in solving the wave of kidnappings in the country as the Naktaf stepped up its fight against kidnappers.
But Justice Sec. Simeon Datumanong does not see any need to ask for the FBI's assistance.
Teresita Ang-See, chairman of the Citizens' Action Against Crime (CACC), earlier urged the government to seek foreign assistance in fighting kidnappers just as it sought the help of other countries in the hunt for terrorists.
"We will explore that option. I don't see anything wrong with that. We have a problem and we will welcome whatever help we can get," Reyes said.
Reyes added that the Naktaf will enlist the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in their operations.
Reyes also called on Chinese-Filipino community to cooperate in the government's anti-kidnapping efforts.
"We must not lose hope. We need to help each other," Reyes said
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Danilo Servando, Naktaf spokesman, said their group has stepped up operations against kidnappers.
Servando said the agency has been improving its intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Aside from conducting checkpoints, roadblocks and security outposts, the government will deploy more policemen in areas considered prone to kidnappings, added Servando.
In the last two weeks, three Chinese-Filipinos were kidnapped.
Coca-Cola executive Betti Chua Sy was abducted and later killed by her captors while Jelina Dy, 10, and Jethro Chua, 2, are still being held hostage.
No to foreign help
Datumanong, meanwhile, rejected calls from the Chinese-Filipino community to seek the FBI's help in fighting kidnappers.
"It will not speak well of the capability of government agencies (to act) against crimes, particularly heinous ones," Datumanong said.
"We are however continuing to endeavor to ensure peace and order," Datumanong added.
(December 4, 2003 issue)
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