PSA Intelligence Reports

Kidnapping Risks Running Assessment

PSA Intelligence evaluates kidnapping risk in the Philippines and its implications for business and travel of individuals and organizations.

Forward-looking Assessment

Updated 2026 May 14

Current kidnapping trends are not expected to significantly change in 2026, especially as rogue offshore gaming operations (POGO) continue nationwide, albeit as smaller cells. The likelihood of these abductions spilling over to other nationalities or individuals with no links to the POGO industry remain low. The kidnap-for-ransom threat against foreign expatriates, especially Western nationals, remains very low, with no recorded abductions against Western nationals in 2025.

Notable incidents for April 2026 include the abduction of a Chinese woman by fellow Chinese suspects, one of whom the victim reportedly met online. PSA Intelligence analysts note that the victim had only been in the Philippines for a short period prior to the abduction, suggesting the possibility that the suspects lured her to the country specifically with criminal intent. Kidnapping incidents involving both ethnic Chinese suspects and victims persist albeit to a lower extent after the abolition of the offshore gaming sector in the country, to which most of these incidents were attributed. 

Another incident involved the abduction of an Indian-Filipino businessman for ransom by a kidnap-for-ransom syndicate whose members included former police officers dismissed from the service. Available information suggests that the suspects monitored the victim’s routine and planned the abduction in advance. PSA Intelligence notes that kidnap-for-ransom remains a low but persistent risk in the Philippines, and it is important for individuals and organizations to understand their general level of exposure to this risk and employ appropriate mitigation measures.

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