Ateneo tightens security after student is kidnapped, released without ransom

(Updated 8:21 p.m.) The Ateneo De Manila University has tightened its on-campus security measures following a kidnapping incident that happened inside its premises last November 21.

 

“Based on our initial findings, a kidnapping incident, involving a student of the Loyola Schools, occurred last Thursday, 21 November 2013, between 6-6:30 pm in the North Car Park of the Loyola Heights Campus,” Fr. Nemesio S. Ques, SJ, ADMU vice president, said in a statement dated November 29 but posted on its website only on Monday, December 2.
 

“The student was released, unharmed, and that no ransom was paid,” the statement read, adding that the student has resumed attending classes.

According to Superintendent Richard Fiesta, commander at Police Community Precinct 9, about 10:25 p.m. on November 21, a certain Colonel Corpuz called the police station asking for police assistance in connection with a kidnapping incident inside the Ateneo campus.

Responding policemen, however, were not allowed entrance to the campus on Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.

“Ang problema pagdating sa Gate 3 ng Ateneo, biglang hinarang ng guard ang mga pulis at di pinapasok so pinagpaliwanagan namin para ma-validate ‘yung report. Ganun pa man, hindi kami pinagbigyan,” Fiesta said in a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras” on Tuesday.

 

In an interview, a staff member of the University Communications and Public Relations Office told GMA News Online that an investigation of the incident is ongoing. The staff member refused to be identified. 
 

Meanwhile, ADMU’s Security Office has put out “short-term measures” to ensure safety inside the campus. These include the installation of additional lighting, deployment of more roving guard in parking areas, stricter rules on entry and exit of people, and closure of alternate entry points.

 

The university is likewise “studying more long-term policies” to beef up security.

 

To report suspicious characters or behavior inside campus contact ADMU Security Office at 426-6001 loc. 4111, 0999-992-7515, and 0917-562-8641.

 

Only last October, a UP-Diliman professor – Perlita Frago – was robbed and taken for a ride on her own vehicle inside the university’s sprawling campus in Quezon City.

The suspects were able to withdraw P29,000 from the victim’s ATM and they took her iPhone and jewelry. — with Rouchelle R. Dinglasan/RSJ/HS/KBK, GMA News