EDITORIAL — That ransom conundrum

Following the kidnapping of a Filipino-Chinese businessman who was later found dead in Rodriguez, Rizal, earlier this month, there are now fears that kidnapping cases are again on the rise, this time orchestrated by remnants of the POGO industry here.

What makes the case of businessman Anson Que even sadder is the report that he and his driver were killed and their bodies dumped in Rizal even after the ransom demanded for his release had been paid, something that could not yet be confirmed as of this writing.

As with any kidnapping case that becomes public knowledge, there always follows the debate whether or not to pay the ransom demanded by kidnappers.

The official stand of the police as well as the general public is that ransom should never be paid. It is like acceding to force. It is like giving in to the demands of terrorists. It is practically helping kidnapping groups become better criminal syndicates and enabling them to have more guns, henchmen, vehicles, and a better network. In the end it will just encourage them to commit even more kidnappings and cause misery to others.

We see the sense in this. Besides, looking at the Que case, paying the ransom isn’t exactly a guarantee that the hostage will be released. But that’s just one side of the coin. On the other hand, put yourself in the shoes of a parent, spouse, or family member of a kidnap victim. You love them to the moon and back and want them returned quickly as possible. You want them to be spared further harm or trauma, more of which is likely to happen to them the longer they are held hostage.

You would do anything and everything to make sure he or she comes back safe, and you pay the ransom demanded. Can you really be blamed for your actions?

We don’t envy those who are facing this ransom conundrum. This is a problem we hope we never get to deal with.