Recently, there has been a surge in kidnapping and murder cases in the Philippines, with many Chinese and Taiwanese businessmen becoming victims, attracting widespread attention. According to analysis, these cases may be related to the large number of employees left unemployed after the implementation of the ban on online gambling (POGO).
After President Marcos Jr. announced a complete ban on online gambling, many former POGO employees lost their sources of income, and some turned to crime. Recently, two shocking kidnapping and ransom cases in the Chinese community are related to this phenomenon.
Taiwanese businessman Hong Guowen disappeared and was harmed
The first case involved a 47-year-old Taiwanese businessman, Hong Guowen (transliterated). According to reports, Hong had been living in Barangay Calumpit, and he disappeared after going to Taytay City on October 10. Before disappearing, Hong had posted photos on social media with Taal Volcano in the background. However, it was not until December 5 that Hong's car and body were found in Xianjiao, Rosas Community, Neihu Province.
On December 17, the Philippine police anti-kidnapping squad accompanied Hong's family to the crematorium to handle the subsequent matters, including the cremation of the body and the collection of ashes. The police suspect that Hong was killed on the day he was kidnapped.
Chinese businessman surnamed Lin was killed, police targeted a criminal gang
The second case involved a Chinese businessman surnamed Lin, who was in the car trading business. It is reported that the bodies of Lin and his driver were found in Rizal Province on December 7. After investigation, the police pointed out that this case was related to the activities of an online BC criminal gang.
A notable commonality in the two cases is that the victims' families did not receive any ransom demands, indicating that the criminals may not have intended to extort money but rather committed direct violence. The police analysis suggests that the motive for the crime may be related to revenge or disputes over illegal benefits.
With the implementation of the online BC ban, a large number of unemployed people have entered society, exacerbating the security risks in the Philippines. The Chinese community and foreign businessmen have become high-risk targets under this backdrop, frequently threatened by kidnapping, robbery, and other violent incidents.
The police urge the public, especially foreign businessmen, to raise their safety awareness and strengthen preventive measures. In-depth investigations into these cases are still ongoing, and the authorities have expressed their determination to intensify efforts to combat such crimes and restore social order.
