By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Thursday commended the law enforcement units’ swift response in resolving the recent series of hostage-taking incidents, saying these do not reflect the overall situation of peace and order in the country.
“Our police forces have demonstrated exceptional dedication in handling these life-threatening situations with the utmost professionalism,” Marbil said in a statement.
According to the PNP, four hostage-taking incidents took place in Manila, Batangas, Rizal, and Digos City from Jan. 20 to Feb. 18.
Marbil said the police responded with urgency to secure the release of hostages and to file appropriate charges against the perpetrators.
“The safety of our citizens remains our top priority, and we will continue to strengthen our strategies in crisis response and law enforcement to prevent similar incidents from happening,” Marbil said.
One of the most alarming incidents happened in Taytay, Rizal, where a father took hostage his one-year-old child using a karambit knife.
Digos City’s hostage-taking incident also involved a one-year-old girl who was forcibly taken from her home by the suspect.
Marbil said the PNP remains vigilant in maintaining peace and order, ready to take swift action against any security threats in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of a more secure and peaceful nation.
“Overall, these events are merely isolated incidents and do not reflect the general state of peace and order in the country, as they are neither the work of organized crime nor a sign of a worsening problem,” Marbil said.
The government continues to support initiatives aimed at strengthening crime prevention, law enforcement capabilities, and emergency response, he added. (PNA)
