The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) linked the recent kidnapping of a student from an elite school in Taguig City to a syndicate composed of former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) employees and ex-security personnel.
During a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the case underscores the security risks posed by POGO-related criminal networks.
“We are certain that the syndicate behind this abduction consists of former POGO operators and their former security personnel,” Remulla said.
“These groups have continued to operate within the country, and we will ensure that they are neutralized as soon as possible,” he added.
According to Remulla, the student was reported missing on Feb. 20. The family’s abandoned vehicle was later found on C-5. Two days later, police discovered another vehicle in Bulacan containing the murdered driver.
Evidence, including cellphone data, pointed to a crime group composed of former POGO operators and AWOL military and police personnel. Authorities traced the abductors’ cellphone signals to Parañaque City.
In a swift operation, they located the student on the street with a bandaged hand and were able to secure the child and provide immediate medical care.
Remulla also confirmed that the ransom demand had decreased from $20 million to $1 million, but no payment was made. He commended law enforcement agencies for their swift action.
“This is a function of effective policing,” he said, crediting the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) for their efforts.
The government has intensified its crackdown on POGO-related crimes in recent years, as authorities continue to investigate the extent of illegal activities linked to the industry.
According to police data, this case marks the eighth kidnapping incident in the country this year. Five of the eight cases have been fully resolved, while all victims have been released. Investigations into the three remaining cases are ongoing.