REVILLA URGES SENATE TO CONDUCT THOROUGH INVESTIGATION ON THE ALLEGED RAMPANT KIDNAPPING IN THE COUNTRY

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. on Tuesday filed a resolution to investigate the reported spate of kidnappings in the country. Proposed Resolution No. 207 directs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to lead and conduct the inquiry.

Media reports highlight an observed spike in cases of kidnapping, abductions, and disappearances involving members of the Filipino-Chinese communities, women, and Chinese POGO workers, among others.

"Kailangang agarang matutukan ang tumataas na kaso ng kidnapping na nagpapalaganap ng takot sa taumbayan. The bad elements that continue to sow fear among the people through their criminal acts must be given a wake-up call that no one is beyond the reach of the law. Kailangan silang panagutin," Revilla said.

According to the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI), abductions surged to 56 victims in a span of only 10 days, mostly in the southern cities of Metro Manila - particularly in Pasay, Parañaque, Makati, and Taguig.

Even before the reports of the PCCCI, cases have been observed to be in the rise in the past months. During the months of July and August this year, several Filipino women were found lifeless after missing for days. Princess Dianne Dayor, a 24-year-old woman, went missing last July 2 and with her remains located near a creek after 3 days. On August 9, a 15-year-old female teenager from San Jose Del Monte City went missing and was found dead in another town in Bulacan.

Meanwhile, there have been some videos circulating on social media and online messaging platforms showing actual footages of kidnapping and torturing of victims. In one of the videos that went viral, an attempt was perpetrated in broad daylight along the Skyway in Parañaque.

However, despite the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that there were only 27 recorded kidnapping incidents since January 2022, contrary to the claim of PCCCI.

Sen. Revilla called the government to act immediately to address the incidents.

"We will not allow the continued proliferation of these crimes with brazen impunity. I call on my colleagues in the Senate - let us get to the bottom of things, nip it in the bud and put behind bars these bad elements. Let this serve as a warning to all: we will not allow anyone, whether citizen or alien, to violate our laws. Walang pinipili ang ngipin ng batas," Sen. Revilla exclaimed.