MANILA, Philippines - No kidnapping-for-ransom case was reported in the last two months, but the problem of tokhang-for-ransom, where policemen demand money for individuals they link to illegal drugs, continues, a crime watchdog said yesterday.

Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO) founding chair Teresita Ang See noted that their concern has shifted from cases of kidnap-for-ransom to tokhang-for-ransom, which are reportedly perpetrated by erring members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Ang See also pointed out that cases of tokhang-for-ransom, especially involving foreigners, are addressed by their respective embassies.

She said in the case of a Korean who was killed, the embassy gave all-out support to help him.

“The 11 cases of Chinese nationals were extortion and not really anti-drugs,” Ang See said.

Most of the 11 cases reported to them occurred in Binondo, Manila.

“There were a few cases in the outskirts of the metropolis, but most were in Binondo. The perpetrators saw that they were vulnerable, quiet and would not report, that’s why the number of cases increased,” she said.

Ang See said Sen. Panfilo Lacson made public the tokhang-for-ransom activities of some policemen but nothing has been done.

After Lacson’s exposed of a big case of tokhang-for-ransom, “biglang tumahimik (suddenly, there was silence).”

She said the victims were scared to report incidents.

Ang See urged victims of tokhang-for-ransom to seek help from the MRPO, if not from the police.

“Pakiusap, ’wag matakot (Please, don’t be afraid),” Ang See appealed.

While tokhang-for-ransom cases remain unaddressed, Ang See commended the PNP, particularly the anti-kidnapping group, for the apparent significant improvement in the effort against kidnapping for ransom.

“In terms of peace and order, we have a good record, especially in MRPO. These past two months were quiet, we do not stay up until the wee hours monitoring kidnap-for-ransom cases,” Ang See said in Filipino.