Critics have started airing their disagreement with President Gloria Arroyo who earlier said she wanted a special vigilante group to fight kidnap-for-ransom gangs in Metro Manila. "The plan will result in human rights violations," said party-list congressman, Crispin Beltran.

"Those who will be attacked might not be the kidnappers but victims themselves. The kidnap for ransom syndicates will be able to evade attacks and arrest," noted Beltran.

Several other groups said they would formalise their reaction to the plan, and added that the establishment of urban vigilantes would add more problems instead of solving the rising number of criminal activities in Metro Manila.

Radio commentators continued discussing the issue. The plan, however, seemed to have been approved by businessmen. Arroyo earlier said she would ask the United States, Britain, and Israel to train local police in going after kidnap-for-ransom syndicates.

Many observers said this would pave the way for the establishment of vigilantes, private armies for the rich, and other paramilitary groups.

Speaking before members of the 27th Philippine Business Conference, Arroyo said she would deploy the Marines and the special action force of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Metro Manila as soon as they have solved the hostage crisis spawned by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Jolo, southern Philippines.

"I can hardly wait for the Marines and the Special Action Force to arrive in Manila," Arroyo said. She also asked former Manila Mayor, Alfredo Lim, to be a consultant of the newly created National Anti Crime Commission.

Lim has been called Manila's 'Dirty Harry'. The alleged summary execution of suspected drug pushers in Metro Manila has been attributed to him in the past.