The Philippine National Police (PNP) has denied reports of several business personalities being kidnapped, stating that the information circulating online is “false.”

Last week, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) lamented that “there is a clear resurgence of kidnapping for ransom” in the country.

In a statement on Saturday afternoon, the PNP has labeled these reports as “false and distorting narratives.”

“The Philippine National Police is strongly refuting the false information currently circulating on social media alleging that several high-profile business personalities have been kidnapped. These reports are completely untrue and have no factual basis,” it said.

The PNP warned it will go after those spreading what it described as misinformation.

“Authorities are closely monitoring the spread of these false narratives and are now taking steps to identify and hold accountable those responsible for creating and sharing these misleading stories,” it said.

“The PNP reminds the public that spreading fake news is a criminal offense and those proven to have done so will face legal consequences,” it added.

The PNP then called on the public “to be responsible citizens by verifying information before sharing and by supporting efforts to maintain peace and order across the nation.”

Meanwhile, PNPO Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil also denied the alleged kidnapping of business personalities.

“There is no truth to these reports about the alleged kidnapping of business personalities. Such malicious disinformation will not be tolerated. Anyone proven to be spreading fake news will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

General Marbil also stressed that the PNP is receptive to legitimate concerns or information, assuring the public that there are proper channels for raising any issues.

He then highlighted that the Office of the Chief PNP, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), the PNP Spokesperson, and the Chief of the Public Information Office (PIO) “are all available to address any concerns or inquiries.”

Last week, the Daily Tribune reached out to the PNP spokesperson and the Chief PIO to follow up on previous kidnapping cases, as well as the alleged report of a kidnapped billionaire who was killed despite the payment of ransom. However, no response was received regarding the matter.

VACC president Arsenio Evangelista earlier warned that the recent spate of kidnap-for-ransom cases in the Philippines could negatively impact the country's economy.

“The DOJ (Department of Justice) created the Special Investigation Task Force against kidnapping—it is a clear sign that there is a substantial rise in cases of kidnapping,” he said.