The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday reported a near-zero incidence of kidnapping nationwide over the past six months, citing the POGO ban, dismantling of kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) syndicates, and intensified PNP–Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) operations.

“In the last 6 months, halos zero kidnapping na tayo. Ito po ay epekto ng pagkawala, number one, ng Pogo sa Pilipinas dahil 90% ng kidnapping dati ay dahil sa offshoot ng Pogo.”

He also said all known KFR syndicates have been dismantled. “Na-dismantle na natin ang lahat ng KFR syndicates ng PNP. Wala na pong natira sa kanila.”

According to PNP-AKG data, KFR cases dropped 15% in 2025, with 28 cases recorded compared to 33 in 2024. From August 26, 2025 to present, only five cases were reported.

In a press conference, Remulla 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.

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.

Remulla stressed 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.”

The PNP-AKG emphasized collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration and Anti-Money Laundering Council for 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.