Dear Editor,

More questions on rescue ops, transparency, and integrity

I wish to raise significant concerns about a recent police operation on a kidnapped 14-year-old Chinese student of a British school in Taguig City, conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The alarming incident that was presented to the public by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla as a dramatic rescue of a kidnapping victim appears to have been misrepresented, raising serious questions about transparency and integrity in law enforcement.

The operation, allegedly overseen by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, seems to have been crafted more for public relations impact than an accurate reflection of law enforcement activities.

It makes me think that such portrayals risk overshadowing the genuine efforts of many dedicated police officers who strive to serve and protect our communities.

Many have perceived what was characterized as a high-stakes rescue operation was an exaggeration. This misrepresentation potentially jeopardizes public trust in the PNP, and law enforcement agencies must maintain openness and honesty in their operations to foster confidence in the community they serve.

Together, they turned what should have been a standard law enforcement operation into a scripted production to boost their ambitions, leaving the PNP in an embarrassing and compromised position.

Moreover, the involvement of senior officials suggests a concerning trend where political motives may take precedence over the integrity of police work.

By the looks of it, former Anti-Kidnapping Group chief, Col. Elmer Ragay, was used as their key player in the manufactured dramatic narrative — that helpless victim was snatched from the clutches of criminals in a “high-stakes” police operation.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group's investigation report in late February quickly unraveled the truth—that the so-called rescue was nothing more than a routine law enforcement operation. Was it exaggerated to serve a political agenda?

There was no dramatic rescue, no high-risk police maneuver, and no carefully coordinated neutralization of a criminal syndicate. If indeed the $1 million ransom paid by an unnamed Chinese businessman was true, to whose pockets did the money go? What was made known to the public was a polished lie that honest police officers, dedicated to truth and justice, are now pushing back against.

Shouldn’t the PNP's primary focus be on its core mission of public service rather than becoming entangled in political games that could distract from fulfilling that duty?

Instead of strengthening the credibility of the PNP, the co-directed script has put the entire police force in a damaging situation, with police officers scrambling to correct the false claims of their supposed leaders.

Could it be true that the DILG chief 
has ambitions for higher office, possibly even the presidency? Can he be trusted to handle a bigger responsibility?

Does Nartatez’ calculated role in the false rescue operation show that he is more concerned with career advancement than with the integrity of the PNP?

It has damaged the institution, and the rank-and-file cannot be blamed for being furious.

I commend the members of the police force who are committed to upholding the institution's integrity and are actively pushing back against any misrepresentation. Their dedication to honesty and professionalism is vital for rebuilding public trust in law enforcement.

In light of these concerns, I share the sentiments of many in respectfully calling on the leadership within the DILG and PNP to reflect on the implications of the rescue hoax. Our leaders must prioritize integrity, accountability, and genuine service above personal or political ambitions.

The Filipino people deserve leadership that embodies these values.

To ensure a trustworthy and effective police force, it is prudent to consider leadership changes within the DILG and PNP. The focus must remain on serving the public with honesty and integrity, essential for maintaining law enforcement as a respected institution.

Ramon Magnaye
Taguig City