PNP: Too early to say cops behind Allan Fajardo abduction

MANILA, Philippines — It is too early to conclude that police officers are behind the abduction of businessman Allan Fajardo, Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said Thursday.

“Maaga pa para magkaroon ng conclusion. Hangga’t maaari antayin na matapos muna ang imbestigasyon,” Banac said in a press briefing at the PNP Headquarters on Thursday.

Banac made the statement after an official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), who asked not to be named, said the agency has reason to believe that personnel from the police or military may be involved in the abduction.

READ: Men in combat gear abducted mayor’s ex-aide–NBI

Banac, however, asked that allegations and opinions against the police be avoided as these might affect the ongoing investigation.

“Iwasan muna natin na magkaroon ng opinyon at alegasyon dahil ayaw natin na magkaroon ng epekto ito sa ongoing investigation. Hindi ito makakatulong kung magbibigay ng hakahaka at mag-aakusa,” Banac said.

Banac assured the public that the PNP would perform its duty to enforce the law even if the probe would later point to police officers as suspects.

“Kung magiging resulta ng imbestigasyon ay makakapagturo sa sino mang mga suspects – maging kasama man natin o hindi – tayo po sa PNP, papatupad natin ang batas ipapatupad natin ang mandato na makipagsunod sa rules of engagement,” he said.

Banac said the NBI and the Sta. Rosa, Laguna police have launched an investigation into Fajardo’s abduction.

Fajardo, a former aide to slain Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili, was forcibly taken by around 30 armed men who stormed the Seda Hotel at Nuvali in Santa Rosa City.

Fajardo’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, has questioned the alleged “inaction” and “silence” of the police on the businessman’s abduction.  /muf

READ: Police ‘inaction’ on abduction of trader ‘very strange’ – Topacio

READ: Slain Batangas mayor’s aide, trader ‘abducted’ in Laguna