Senator Grace Poe filed a resolution on Monday urging the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to launch an inquiry on abduction cases in Luzon, including Metro Manila.
Even a single case of abduction is already alarming and threatens people’s safety, according to Poe.
The resolution cited the kidnap-slay of pharmaceutical executive Eduardo Tolosa Jr., who was reportedly burned for three days by his abductors.
Five suspects have surrendered.
Poe also cited the circulating traffic video titled “Kidnapping sa Skyway Galing Airport” (Kidnapping at Skyway coming from the airport), where unidentified men from three vehicles were seen surrounding and trying to open a white vehicle.
The Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) reported that they have recorded 27 cases from January to September, with 15 related to offshore gambling operations, 11 kidnap-for-ransom cases, and one casino-related.
Lugene Ang, president of the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FCCCII), previously reported that they recorded 56 kidnapping incidents involving Filipino and Chinese nationals, including children, within 10 days.
Recently, committee chair Senator Ronald Dela Rosa told reporters that the brains behind the series of abductions may be testing the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Dela Rosa will wait for the referral of Poe’s resolution before opening an inquiry.
Apart from Poe and dela Rosa, Senators Ramon Revilla, Jr. and Imee Marcos also expressed alarm over incidents of missing young women.
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday also called on the Senate and Malacanang to look into recent reports of kidnappings and torture.
Ejercito filed Senate Resolution No. 194, which seeks to direct the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to conduct a probe on these “alarming” cases of kidnapping, abduction, and disappearances, specially those against women, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers, and Filipino-Chinese individuals. With Macon Ramos-Araneta