43 Chinese POGO workers rescued

MANILA, Philippines — Operatives of the police Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) rescued yesterday 43 Chinese who were allegedly detained in a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) facility in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The victims were rescued at Lucky South 99, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said at a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Abalos said he received a text message on Tuesday informing him that a Chinese was kidnapped.

In response, Abalos alerted Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin to verify the information and conduct a rescue operation.

The victim’s relatives said the suspects demanded P1 million in ransom in exchange for the release of the Chinese.

When police swooped down on the POGO office, they discovered that 42 more Chinese workers were being held against their will.

“The victims are undergoing debriefing. The AKG will build a strong case against the persons involved in the crime,” Abalos said.

He said police arrested Chen Yi Bien, 33, human resources manager of the POGO firm, during the operation.

Abalos, Azurin and other officials are set to meet with representatives of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to address the rising cases of POGO-related kidnappings.

“These are modern times so this is practically slavery,” Abalos said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government will also coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration to solve the kidnapping of POGO workers, according to Abalos.

He said POGO companies should submit their list of employees for regular monitoring. – Efren Lazaro