The "Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee" (JAKAC) was inaugurated in Quezon City, Philippines. General Benjamin Marbil, the Chief of the Philippine National Police, pledged at the ceremony to significantly enhance the emergency response capabilities of law enforcement agencies to kidnapping cases, ensuring the public is protected from criminal threats.
Marbil stated, "Kidnapping is not only driven by greed but also serves as a means to create social panic and unrest. Today, we choose to bravely face these challenges, not allowing criminals to dictate our lives."
He admitted that recent kidnapping incidents have revealed deficiencies in the police force, particularly in video surveillance playback and tracking of cryptocurrency ransoms, especially in the initial response phase. This has prompted the establishment of an inter-agency coordination mechanism to strengthen intelligence sharing and rapid action.
The newly established JAKAC aims to break down information barriers, quickly mobilize resources for investigation and rescue, and provide comprehensive support to victims and their families. The committee is led by Lieutenant General Edgar Allan Okubo, the Deputy Chief of the National Police and head of investigative affairs.
The committee includes members from the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Justice, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Immigration, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the National Security Council, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Cybercrime Investigation Center, among other key government agencies.
JAKAC also collaborates with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Anti-Crime and Corruption Volunteers Association, the Restore Peace Movement, the Philippine Bankers Association, and the Makati Business Club, among other civil groups, to create a nationwide anti-kidnapping front.
Marbil described this mechanism as an "intelligence-driven, victim-centered" national collaboration system, emphasizing that kidnapping crimes are increasingly transnational and organized, particularly targeting vulnerable groups and foreigners, requiring systematic cooperation for a strong response.
He called on all law enforcement agencies and communities to remain highly vigilant and establish a rapid response network, stating, "We cannot let fear replace the voice of justice."
