THE PNP has reinstated Col. Elmer Ragay as director of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group days after his relief amid the controversy on the kidnapping and rescue of a 14-year-old Chinese student.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said the administrative relief of Ragay was nullified in accordance with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution 11059.
The resolution prohibits the “transfer, movement or detail” of personnel unless approved by the Comelec.
Fajardo said the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, which effected the relief of Ragay last February 28, thought the Comelec’s clearance was not needed because “it does not involve (the) movement or transfer of an PNP personnel.”
“Upon consultation with the Comelec, the administrative relief of Col. Elmer Ragay is within the provisions of Comelec resolution No. 11059,” said Fajardo.
“Hence, the nullification of the relief order,” said Fajardo.
The PNP ordered the relief of Ragay amid questions on the legitimacy of the rescue of the Chinese student who was recovered Tuesday last week in Paranaque City, five days after he was abducted in Taguig City.
Ragay’s deputy was named as officer-in-charge of the AKG.
“Since the order (to relieve Ragay) was nullified, he will be back to his previous position, which is deputy director of the AKG,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said the reinstate of Ragay does not mean the investigation of the incident would be terminated.
“We want to reiterate that the nullification order does not follow that the investigation ordered by the Chief PNP will stop,” said Fajardo.
“The investigation will continue because we have to make it clear that the investigation does not only involve Col. Ragay. This involves the whole operation as initiated by the AKG,” said Fajardo.
