Calls on the Philippine Senate to establish an official position on the future of POGOs after an alleged kidnapping – IAG

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There are calls for the Philippine Senate to establish an official position on the future of the Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGO) industry amid allegations that a friend of one of the senators was recently kidnapped in a POGO-related crime.

Senator Grace Poe said in a privileged speech on Wednesday that a sister-in-law of friends was abducted in Pasay after responding to a job posting looking for a personal assistant. The victim was allegedly taken to a POGO dormitory in Cavite and physically injured by his captors, according to a report by the Manila Bulletin.

Poes’ speech prompted Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Koko Pimentel III to ask the Senate to establish a position on the issue, saying, I think it’s already too much. Even if we do the math, it’s not worth it. What type of economic activity is it? That you organize people to defraud other people?

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) told ABS-CBN News on Thursday that it was investigating the alleged kidnapping, but denied that such cases were as widespread as some believe.

As for the NCRPO, it has not been reported to us, said NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo. So it’s not frantic, it’s just stories.

Previously, internal kidnappings happened at POGO. But we have not yet received information as widespread as you say.

In Poes’ speech on Wednesday, she said: Even without any official report, it is clear that these crimes are happening in front of us.

I would urge the authorities to rescue the victims. But we can’t just keep saving every time someone is kidnapped by POGOs.

Allow me to reiterate my appeal. Let’s face the music and decide once and for all if our institutions are even stronger than POGO and can contain the risk to peace and order, and the possible long-term damage to the rule of law as these POGO-related crimes continue.

Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR said in September it would work with key government agencies to step up its efforts against illegal POGO-related crimes following reports of an increase in kidnappings linked to gambling operators. online games.

However, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has also warned that failure to get the issue under control could lead to the complete shutdown of the POGO industry.

If these kidnappings and other illegal activities continue, it is clear that not only will we revoke POGO operators’ licenses, but the entire industry could be affected by the decision that will come from the national government. So let’s help each other solve these problems ASAP, Tengco said at the time.

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