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.