Kidnapping-Related Incidents – April 2023
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Majority of the kidnapping incidents recorded in April 2023 were personal dispute-related. Out of the total number of kidnapping incidents this month, four incidents were personal dispute-related, three incidents were perpetrated by Kidnap-for-Ransom (KFR) groups, and one incident was NPA-related. Based on the recorded incidents, three abductions in April demanded ransom money with a total value of PHP 5,600,000 (USD 101,208.19).
There have been sixteen kidnap victims reported in April. Three of them were foreign victims – two Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese national. PSA recorded no kidnapping incidents targeting Western nationals this month. Based on the recorded incidents, five abductions occurred within Metro Manila, while the other incidents took place in the provinces of Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Occidental Mindoro.
One abduction resulted in the demise of the victim. The incident was perpetrated by NPA rebels who kidnapped one soldier and six civilians. Analysts note that NPA-related incidents tend to be targeted, usually focusing on government forces, alleged military informants, or former rebels. Meanwhile, one of the incidents was reportedly gambling-related. Analysts note that POGO/gambling-related abductions are a recurring and systemic issue. There were more POGO/gambling-related incidents in the previous years, but a few incidents are still being recorded each month since February 2021.
PSA recorded six successful kidnap rescue operations this month. The operations were in response to three KFR targeting two Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese national, and two personal dispute-related incidents. The victims were held by their captors for two to three days prior to their rescue.
