Recently, I have a few words to say about the kidnapping case.

You might have come across the news about the kidnapping and murder of a Filipino-Chinese businessman these past few days.

Mr. Guo has been a veteran in the steel industry for decades, but he ended up being portrayed as a POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) boss. His family clarified: he has never been involved in gambling.

Did you get that? This is an old Chinese businessman, who has been in the physical business sector for decades, devoted to public welfare, and conservative in character—yet he could not escape this fate.

This incident highlights two points:

The kidnapping industry in the Philippines now does not discriminate; whether you are involved in gambling or not, as long as you have some background, speak Chinese, and have money, you could be targeted;

The media ecosystem is harsh: as long as you speak Chinese, have connections, and resources, it is easy for the media to forcibly label you as a "POGO boss."

Gambling is not the issue, identity is the label. Today it's POGO, tomorrow it might be crypto, real estate, AI...

When you have some money in the Philippines, regardless of whether it's from legitimate or illegitimate sources, besides the government, kidnappers will also covet you.