Some legislators have once again called for the elimination of POGO from the country after reports of the cruelty suffered by some Chinese kidnap victims at the hands of their Chinese compatriots.
In a report by Jun Veneracion on GMA News “24 Oras” this Thursday, it was said that the authorities found out that a manager of POGO was held captive by three Chinese suspects who were arrested for kidnapping.
Some kidnapping victims have their fingers amputated to scare their relatives into paying ransom.
Authorities are still looking for 25 suspects involved in the kidnapping, and five are Filipinos.
“Foreign kidnap syndicates have become bolder and more brutal because of the aid of cohorts and poor monitoring by authorities,” said Senadora Grace Poe.
Because of this, quick action is needed because it is clear that the alleged unstoppable kidnapping of Chinese nationals is a law enforcement problem.
“Patuloy akong mananawagan sa Senado na palayasin na ang mga POGO sa bansa. The entire industry is a threat to our national security and to our people,” said Senadora Risa Hontiveros.
Some senators want POGOs out of the country
The calls were supported by the Movement for The Restoration of Peace And Order, which said that POGO paved the way for international syndicates to enter the country.
“Cambodia and Laos had a big crackdown against POGO kaya sila dito nagtakbuhan so why is our country a safe haven for criminals and transnational syndicates like that? Where is the failure coming from?” said Teresita Ang-See ng Movement for The Restoration of Peace And Order.
On the other hand, the PNP maintained that they are not stopping the pursuit of those involved in crimes connected to POGO.
Based on the style of the suspects arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation personnel, it is said that this group is also behind other kidnapping cases being investigated by the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group or AKG.
AKG will reportedly distribute posters in buildings with POGOs and places frequented by POGO workers next month so that they know how to report kidnapping cases.
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