Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla is expected to be in a dramatic showdown with officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are ready to unveil the truth behind a conflicting claim made by the former that the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) staged a recent daring "rescue operation" for a kidnapped 14-year-old British School Manila student.

This, as PNP representatives are all set to reveal in Monday’s hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs headed by Senator Ronald dela Rosa that no such rescue ever occurred, contrary to Remulla’s claim.

An investigation report by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group dated February 28 on the kidnapping incident of Zerui Wan on Feb. 21 showed no rescue took place.

“Victim Zerui Wan was not recovered by PNP AKG at the end of Macapagal Avenue along the junction road to Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park on February 25, 2025, as officially reported by PNP AKG,” the investigation assessment report read. “The victim was not rescued but fetched by his Uncle somewhere and delivered to Manila Bay East.” “PNP AKG was not there when the victim was fetched and delivered. The rescue was staged managed by another person or group.”

PNP officials will reportedly correct this deception before the Senate and the public.

"The truth will prevail. We will not be used for a scripted drama," a PNP official was quoted as saying.

The likelihood that Remulla’s story is fake was intensified after PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil ordered the relief of AKG Head, Col. Elmer Ragay, who will be internally investigated.

Ragay, along with PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Jose Melencio Nartatez, NCRPO Director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, and other top officials, appeared in viral videos showing them visiting the victim’s residence.

Ragay’s relief, Marbil said, is just the beginning of a deeper investigation to uphold the integrity of the PNP.

He assured that the PNP will fully cooperate with the Senate to reveal all details of the incident and expose who is truly attempting to deceive the public.

Frustrated anti-crime groups

Meanwhile, anti-crime groups expressed their frustration over Remulla’s claim that crime incidents in the country are declining.

They said the reality is quite the opposite, especially in light of the brutal abduction of the 14-year-old student in Taguig, where kidnappers even cut off one of the victim’s fingers.

According to Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) President Arsenio “Boy” Evangelista, fear, not peace, dominates the atmosphere.

“Instead of ensuring public safety, some officials seem to be exploiting the incident for personal gain. "It’s alarming that some appear to be profiting from this kind of crime," Evangelista said.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Fdb. 26, Remulla claimed the kidnappers initially demanded a $20-million ransom, which was later reduced to $1 million.

He added that no ransom was paid—an assertion not confirmed by other groups monitoring the case.

Netizens said that Instead of clarifying the situation, Remulla’s statements only fueled speculation after contradictory information emerged on social media.

His alleged false claims have now gone viral, not only among the public but also reaching President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Aside from his erroneous claim that the victim’s family had no ties to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, further reports challenge his statement that no ransom was paid.

Circulating information showed the victim had already been retrieved by their family with the help of a Filipino-Chinese businessman who is reportedly a close associate of Remulla.

The Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO) has also voiced concerns over the worsening kidnapping incidence in the country.

MRPO head Teresita Ang See said the incident has had a significant impact, particularly on the Tsinoy community, which has frequently been targeted by kidnapping syndicates.