THE Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that recent kidnappings in Northern Mindanao may be linked to the past operations of banned Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).

Despite this concern, the PNP has reported a drop in overall crime rates in the region from July 1 to November 6, 2024.

From January 2024 to February 2025, the PNP expressed alarm over 40 kidnapping cases, ten of which involved Chinese nationals reportedly abducted by fellow citizens.

Authorities suspect these kidnappings are related to the operations of the now-banned Pogos.

The decline in crime rates has led to the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Northern Mindanao receiving the Performance Governance System (PGS) award.

Former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. noted that PRO-10 achieved PGS Institutionalized Status after meeting the necessary standards.

CRIME RATE DROPS. Despite growing concerns over kidnappings in Northern Mindanao linked to banned Pogoss, the PNP reports a decline in overall crime rates. Since January, 40 kidnapping cases have been recorded, underscoring ongoing security challenges. GSD File Photo

Acorda earlier, described this status as a testament to the commitment to good governance and effective performance. He highlighted PRO-10’s dedication to implementing initiatives that positively impact the community.

In response to public concerns, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed the issue, stating that while the kidnappings are serious, they do not reflect an overall rise in crime rates.

She urged the public to be cautious of exaggerated reports circulating on social media.

Castro emphasized that crime rates have declined under the current administration.

“No government is perfect, and crimes occur, but the current crime rate is manageable,” she said.

As Northern Mindanao prioritizes safety, local officials remain focused on addressing these challenges and ensuring the community stays informed and secure.

The PGS framework aims to improve governance and service delivery.

Recent evaluations show that PRO-10 reduced monthly crime rates from 85.2 percent in 2014 to 24.7 percent in 2021, a decrease of 60.45 percent.

The average monthly index crime rate also fell from 36.4 percent in 2014 to 3.50 percent in 2022, while crime-solving efficiency increased from 29.5 percent in 2014 to 96.8 percent in 2022.