With the Philippine government's gradual crackdown on offshore gaming operators (POGO), the number of kidnapping cases in the Philippines has significantly decreased in January 2024. The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Thursday that the complete phase-out of POGO was completed last December and will officially take effect on March 31, 2024.
According to data provided by the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) of the PNP, only four traditional kidnapping cases were recorded in January, with no kidnapping for ransom incidents (KFR) related to POGO.
Compared to the same period last year, the number of kidnapping cases has decreased. Colonel Randolph Tuason, PNP information officer, stated at a press conference at Camp Crame that there were six kidnapping cases recorded in January 2023.
Although the PNP's anti-terrorism unit still recorded two KFR cases related to POGO in January, the overall trend indicates a significant reduction in such criminal cases as POGO exits.
Looking back to July last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a total ban on POGO during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), citing "severe abuse and disrespect" to the Philippine legal system by the industry. He instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to gradually shut down POGO operations by the end of 2023 to curb related criminal activities.
Since former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte allowed POGO operations in the Philippines, there has been a noticeable increase in kidnapping for ransom cases and other POGO-related crimes (such as human trafficking). The implementation of this ban is considered one of the key reasons for the reduction in kidnapping cases.
Additionally, regarding rumors on social media about "white vans kidnapping children and trafficking organs," Tuason denied these at the press conference, stating that the police had not received any formal complaints. He emphasized that despite the lack of evidence for such rumors, the PNP remains highly vigilant to ensure public safety and prevent any potential criminal activities.
