Manila, Feb. 20 -- As the phase-out of the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) was completed on Dec. 31, 2024, the kidnapping cases in the country dropped in January this year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

Based on the PNP-Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) data, only four traditional kidnapping incidents were recorded, and no POGO-related kidnap for ransom (KFR).

"Bumaba ang kaso ng kidnapping kumpara sa same period last year na kung saan ang taong kaparehas nito noong taong January 2024 ay may naitala tayong 6 na kaso ng kidnapping (Kidnapping [cases] declined compared to January 2024 where six kidnappings cases were recorded)," PNP information chief Col. Randulf Tuano said in a press conference at Camp Crame...