PRO-9 credits martial law, Tokhang for dip in kidnappings

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Zamboanga Peninsula police said the imposition of martial law and the war on drugs contributed to a dip in high-profile kidnappings in the region.

 

Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office 9 director, said "target hardening" by the military and police prevented kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf and other armed groups in the area. "Target hardening" refers to tightening security in areas vulnerable to attacks and incidents.

 

Beltran said that except for two cases in Zamboanga del Norte, there were no kidnappings in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City.

 

He said police operations related to Oplan Tokhang also helped stop criminal syndicates from operating.

 

Beltran also credited police task forces and intensified coastal patrols for the drop in abductions.

 

He said the police used jet ski patrols along the coasts.

 

The Zamboanga Peninsula police have also implemented a "4-6 o'clock habit", where police patrols are increased at those hours in the morning and afternoon. He said those are the times that crimes are often committed.

 

"The drop of crimes and kidnapping incidents was attributed to the Martial Law implementation and the Oplan Tokhang," Beltran said.