The National Capital Region Police Office has not received reports of kidnapping incidents in Metro Manila in recent weeks which in contrast to statement of President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday that six abductions have happened in Manila the last three weeks.

NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde said they are validating the information shared by Duterte in a speech before members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines on Friday.

"We will check and validate the information although as now, we have not received reports of alleged kidnapping incidents since the assumption of President Duterte," said Albayalde.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told government radio that if the police are saying there is no such report “I am sure the president has his own form of information. That’s all I can say.”

Albayalde said they have scheduled a meeting with the Chinese community, who are the usual targets of kidnappings, on Monday.

Duterte revealed drug syndicates have shifted to kidnap-for-ransom activities as drug supply is “very low.” .

Duterte said six kidnappings happened in Binondo, Manila the past three weeks.

The Manila Police District, in coordination with the Anti-Kidnapping Group, said no kidnapping incidents were recorded. Emmanuel Tupas/DMS