Ateneo confirms student kidnapping, boosts security

Ateneo de Manila University. PHOTO FROM ADMU.EDU.PH PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Ateneo de Manila University confirmed a kidnapping incident inside its Quezon City campus last November 21 but reiterated that the victim was “unharmed and released with no ransom paid.”

At the same time, the Ateneo administration vowed to tighten its security following the abduction.

In an official statement Monday by Fr. Nemesio Que, ADMU vice president, he assured the Atenean community that its Security Office has put in place “immediate and short-term measures while studying more long-term policies.”

On November 21, an unidentified student of the Loyola Schools was kidnapped around 6:30 p.m. in the North Car Park of the Loyola Heights Campus.

“We wish to assure the University community that the student was released, unharmed and that no ransom was paid. By God’s grace, our student has returned to the campus and now attends classes,” Que said.

The short-term security measures of the Ateneo administration will include “installations of additional lighting and the deployment of more roving guards in the parking areas; enforcement of stricter rules in the entry and exit of people and vehicles on campus; and closure of alternate entry points around the campus.”

Que also urged the Ateneo students and personnel to fully cooperate as the administration implemented additional security measures.

Meanwhile, a Quezon City police official who requested anonymity said the camp of the complainant has requested that the investigation of the case be left with Ateneo.