The head of the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recently stated that the suspects accused of kidnapping Chinese students are allegedly part of the "muscle group" of illegal operators of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), which is suspected of multiple violent crimes.
Gilbert Cruz, the executive director of PAOCC, revealed in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB that the suspects are considered to be members of a violent gang employed by POGO, specializing in kidnapping, threatening, torturing, and killing victims.
"The kidnappers belong to the muscle group, but we are still conducting in-depth investigations to confirm the specific identities of all those involved," Cruz said.
It is reported that the organization consists of retired military personnel and other violent individuals who are employed by illegal gambling enterprises, specifically targeting individuals who owe money to POGO and using violent means to force the victims and their families to pay the debts.
"If someone owes money to POGO, they (the muscle group) will kidnap them, torture them, and send threatening videos to their families to pressure them," Cruz added.
The victim this time is a 14-year-old Chinese student who was kidnapped on February 20 after school at an international school in Taguig City. A few days later, the victim's family's driver was found murdered, and the student was found on February 25 on Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City.
The Philippine authorities claim that the key figure suspected of the kidnapping is Chinese fugitive Wang Danyu (alias Baolong).
Additionally, Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla stated that the investigation found that the murdered driver might have cooperated with the suspects or played a certain role during the incident.
However, the victim's mother denies any relationship between their family and POGO, emphasizing that they are engaged in the e-commerce business. She insists that the actual target of the suspects was their driver, not her child.
This case has further triggered public concern about crimes related to POGO. In recent years, the Philippine POGO industry has been repeatedly linked to illegal detention, violent crimes, and transnational criminal activities, causing widespread controversy.
The Philippine government has previously strengthened regulations and announced a comprehensive ban on illegal POGO operations to curb the industry's impact on public security. PAOCC stated that it will continue to track the progress of this case and intensify efforts to combat POGO-related criminal groups to maintain social order.
