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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Almost zero kidnapping cases recorded in past 6 months, DILG says

Almost zero kidnapping cases recorded in past 6 months, DILG says

Published Jan 22, 2026 06:40 pm
Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Juanito Victor "Jonvic" C. Remulla presents the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Juanito Victor "Jonvic" C. Remulla presents the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Police recorded almost zero case of kidnapping in the past six months, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday, Jan. 22.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla attributed the sharp decline to the permanent ban of the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), dismantling of kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) syndicates and intensified police operations.

In a press briefing, Remulla noted that 90 percent of kidnapping cases were POGO-related with all KFR syndicates being dismantled by the PNP.

Data from the PNP-AKG disclosed that KFR cases dropped 15 percent in 2025, with 28 cases recorded compared to 33 in 2024 and from August 26, 2025 to present, only five cases were reported.

Remulla also announced the arrest of two individuals involved in high-profile kidnapping cases, following two separate operations conducted by the PNP-AKG. 

“Lito Diego Presaldo, ranked sixth on the AKG most-wanted list, was a member of the Gong Wenli KFR Group, notorious for targeting foreign nationals. He was implicated in multiple kidnappings of Chinese and Taiwanese nationals and was apprehended in Sitio Can Adlay, Brgy. Gutivan, Cajidiocan, Romblon, after three years in hiding,’’ the DILG noted.

“Danilo Abilong, involved in the kidnapping of two Chinese nationals, a Korean, and a Filipino victim in Nasugbu, Batangas, was arrested along Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City,’’ it added.

The DILG chief attributed that the arrests reflect diligent service of warrants, not a resurgence of KFR activities.

“Masugid po ang ating bagong chief PNP na i-enforce,  na palakasin ng AKG. Dahil sa walang kidnapping ngayon, lahat po ng mga nakabacklog na wanted ay hinuhuli na po. Isa-isang trackdown. At nakahuli na po kami ng dalawa (Our new PNP chief is passionate to enforce and enhance the AKG. Since there are no kidnapping incidents now, all of the backlogged wanted persons are being arrested. They are being tracked down one by one. And we caught two of them),’’ Remulla maintained.

The Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group emphasized collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLAC) prosecution, deportation and asset tracing.

The DILG reaffirmed that law enforcement remains vigilant and called on the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to sustain gains against kidnapping and organized crime.

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