DILG Hails Significant Drop in Kidnapping Cases Nationwide
In a significant development for national security, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has publicly commended the remarkable decline in kidnapping incidents across the Philippines. During a press conference held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla presented data indicating a near-zero occurrence of such crimes over the preceding six-month period.
Government Actions Drive Down Kidnap-for-Ransom Incidents
Secretary Remulla attributed this positive trend to a combination of strategic government initiatives. He highlighted the pivotal role of the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which he stated was responsible for a substantial portion of past kidnapping activities. "In the last six months, we have recorded almost zero kidnapping cases. This is largely due to the removal of POGOs from the Philippines, as 90 percent of kidnapping cases in the past were offshoots of POGOs," Remulla explained.
Furthermore, he emphasized the continued and intensified operations by the Philippine National Police–Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) to dismantle kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) syndicates. "We have already dismantled all KFR syndicates identified by the PNP. None of them remain," the Secretary added confidently.
Statistical Evidence and Recent Arrests
Supporting these claims, official PNP-AKG data reveals a 15 percent decrease in KFR cases for the year 2025, with only 28 incidents recorded compared to 33 in 2024. More impressively, from August 26, 2025, to the present, a mere five cases have been reported nationwide.
During the same press briefing, Remulla announced the successful apprehension of two individuals linked to high-profile kidnapping cases. These arrests resulted from separate operations conducted by the PNP-AKG on January 20, 2026.
- Lito Diego Presaldo, ranked sixth on the AKG's most-wanted list and identified as a member of the Gong Wenli KFR Group, was captured in Sitio Can Adlay, Barangay Gutivan, Cajidiocan, Romblon. Presaldo, who had evaded authorities for nearly three years, was implicated in several kidnappings involving Chinese and Taiwanese victims.
- Danilo Abilong, involved in the kidnapping of two Chinese nationals, a Korean national, and one Filipino victim in Nasugbu, Batangas, was apprehended along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.
Sustained Vigilance and Inter-Agency Cooperation
Remulla was quick to clarify that these arrests should not be interpreted as a resurgence of kidnapping activities. Instead, he framed them as the outcome of renewed efforts to serve long-standing warrants. "Our new PNP chief is very diligent in enforcing and strengthening the AKG. Because there are no kidnapping cases at present, all those with long-standing warrants are now being arrested. They are being tracked down one by one," he stated.
The DILG reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies remain on high alert. The PNP-AKG continues to collaborate closely with the Bureau of Immigration and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to ensure proper prosecution, deportation of foreign suspects, and tracing of illicit assets. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities to help sustain these recent gains against kidnapping and other forms of organized crime.
