THE PNP is planning to deploy policemen in the vicinity of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) establishments to address the rising number of POGO-related kidnappings.
In a radio interview yesterday, PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the police force is also coordinating with POGO officials to address the concern.
Data from the PNP showed 27 kidnapping cases reported in the country this year, 15 of them POGO-related, 11 “traditional kidnappings” and one “casino-related.”
Fajardo said POGO-related kidnappings involve the abduction of POGO workers, usually Chinese, by fellow POGO workers for failing to pay their “debts.”
She said the victims are asked to go to the Philippines for an interview after applying for jobs online. Their travel is supposed to be all expenses paid, said Fajardo.
“Upon arrival (in the Philippines), their passports are confiscated and they will be confined (by their superiors) in an area,” Fajardo said, referring to the victims.
“And when they fail to pay for travel, which is supposed to be all expenses paid, or found stealing from games proceeds, they are detained and tortured. They will only be released only if their family pays,” said Fajardo.
The 15 POGO-related kidnappings so far this year has exceeded the 12 POGO-related kidnappings for the entire year of 2021, according to the police.
“The possibility of deploying fixed mobile and foot patrol in the vicinity of POGO establishments is being considered to make sure we will lessen, if not totally stop, POGO-related abduction cases,” said Fajardo.
In Metro Manila, Fajardo said National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo has “already begun coordinating with the POGO establishments.”
