RP police arrest kidnap suspects

RP police arrest kidnap suspects

MANILA (AFP): Philippine police have detained 26 suspected kidnappers and an accessory, officials said yesterday, easing pressure on the government after a wave of abductions brought warnings of capital flight.

The weekend arrests followed the sacking of national police chief Recaredo Sarmiento Friday, when President Fidel Ramos ordered the police to "get results".

The raids broke up four gangs and turned up guns, hand grenades, ammunition, cars, chains, electronic pagers and cellular telephones used in their activities, Justice Secretary Teofisto Guingona said.

No hostages were recovered because these groups held none at the time, Police Chief Superintendent Panfilo Lacson said, adding that those detained included an "active-duty" policeman and a former soldier.