PNP to check Chinese foreigner records, POGO permits amid kidnapping cases

The Philippine National Police on Monday said it will look into the records of Chinese foreigners and the business permits of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in light of recent kidnapping cases.

In a press conference, PNP Chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the police will ask the Bureau of Immigration to organize information about Chinese nationals in the country.

“Nakikita natin na nahihirapan po ang ating kapulisan (We see that our police are experiencing difficulties) because we lack the records of the foreigners coming into our country to work as POGOs,” he said.

“So we really need to engage [with our Immigration Bureau] so that we would know who are the Chinese nationals coming in our country,” he added.

Azurin wanted a more specific identification of Chinese foreigners. Currently, they are just categorized as Chinese and Chinese-Filipino. He suggested including new categories such as Chinese-Malaysians, Chinese-Vietnamese, and Chinese-Indians.

The PNP Chief also wants a list of POGOs that are legally operating in the country and the location of their offices. Azurin said some POGOs do not have business permits from local governments.

He also encouraged LGUs to monitor POGO employees in their respective areas

Azurin explained that these records can help in their investigation into the reported kidnappings involving POGO workers.

“Reports of POGO-related kidnapping of foreigners by fellow foreigners, remain to be a concern for the PNP, not only because it violates Philippine laws, but more so because it does not fit well with the country’s desire to establish the Philippines as an international tourist destination and investment haven for foreign capital,” he said.

Of the 27 kidnapping incidents recorded in 2022, the PNP said 15 were POGO-related. — DVM, GMA News