EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 291, February 28, 2004

AMENDING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 248 DATED 26 OCTOBER 2003 CREATING THE OFFICE OF THE ANTI-KIDNAPPING PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER.

WHEREAS, the Office of the Anti-Kidnapping Presidential Adviser was created to implement a campaign against kidnapping involving law enforcement and counteraction agencies and the private sector through the National Anti-kidnapping Task Force [NAKTAF];

WHEREAS, initial efforts of NAKTF have proven effective in fighting kidnapping because of popular support from the private sector, among others.

WHEREAS, to sustain the effectiveness of NAKTF’s anti-kidnapping efforts, there is a need to encourage wider participation from the private sector.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Section 2 of Executive Order No. 248 dated 26 October 2003 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Section 2. Oversight Committee – There is hereby created an Oversight Commitment to ensure the execution by active participation of the involved law enforcement and counteraction agencies of the anti-kidnapping action programs. The Oversight Committee shall be composed of the following: Secretary Angelo Reyes Chairman Secretary of Interior and Local Government Member Secretary of National Defense Member Secretary of Justice Member Secretary of Transportation and Communication Member Seven (7) representatives from the private sector shall be appointed by the President as members of the Oversight Committee."

Section 2. All orders, circulars, memoranda, rules, regulations and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are superseded or amended accordingly.

Section 3. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately. City of Manila, 28th day of February 2004.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

President of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO

Executive Secretary