Senate starts probe into reported spate of kidnapping cases

Facade of the Senate building in Pasay City. (Philippine Daily Inquirer file photo)

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Thursday launched its probe into the alleged string of abduction cases gripping the country.

The probe in the upper chamber stemmed from separate resolutions lodged by Senators Imee Marcos, JV Ejercito, and Grace Poe, who all sounded the alarm on the recent hike in reported abduction incidents nationwide.

Senator Bong Revilla also filed a resolution, similarly seeking for a Senate inquiry on the matter, but it has yet to be referred to the said committee. 

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who leads the panel investigating the matter, pointed out that social media has been used as a tool to disseminate reports of crimes and kidnapping which, according to him, sows panic and fear.

“Sa mga video na nagkalat ngayon sa social media, talagang ang reaksyon ng mga tao ay puro pangamba at takot,” dela Rosa said.

(With the videos currently circulating on social media, fear and panic have gripped the public.)  

He added that the panel’s investigation is aimed at clarify whether or not the reported abductions are  valid, and if verified, to seek appropriate remedies. 

The Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. earlier sought the help of the Philippine National Police and Congress, claiming it had received 56 kidnapping reports in a span of ten days. 

But the PNP later disputed this, arguing that its Anti-Kidnapping Group has only recorded 27 abduction incidents this year. 

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