AKG chief sacked again

FOR the second time in less than two months, Police Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay was relieved from his post as director of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG). "We would like to confirm that Gen. Elmer Ragay has been relieved as director of the AKG," Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo told reporters on Thursday. Fajardo said PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil personally ordered Ragay's relief, citing dissatisfaction with his performance after the abduction and killing of businessman Anson Que and his driver. "This is what the chief wants to make clear: He is not satisfied with General Ragay's performance. That's why he was relieved and replaced," Fajardo said. She said Ragay was not only relieved because of the Que kidnap and slay case or on the way they handled it "but also in previous cases." Guo, also known as Anson Tan or Anson Que, and his driver were found dead on Wednesday, after they were reported missing on March 30. "This is all that [Marbil] wants to say: he is not satisfied with the performance [of Ragay]," Fajardo said. Ragay has been replaced by Police Col. David Poklay, who previously served as the deputy director for operations of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. Last February, Ragay was administratively relieved from his post over a questionable AKG operation to rescue a kidnapped 14-year-old Chinese in Parañaque City. However, he was reinstated shortly after when the relief order was nullified due to a regulation prohibiting personnel movements during the election period. The PNP expressed hope the leadership change will help restore public trust in its campaign against kidnapping.