MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Joel Villanueva said on Monday that any benefit that comes with the presence of Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs in the country are outweighed by the safety risks evidenced by the rise in kidnapping incidents involving Chinese nationals. In response to the public clamor, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo called the kidnapping incident on Paseo de Roxas in Makati an isolated one. However, data from the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) shows that similar incidents of kidnapping have been steadily on the rise in the past years. I don't know of any country where kidnapping is legal," Villanueva said. "It is the responsibility of these Chinese nationals operating in the country to familiarize themselves and abide by our laws, particularly labor laws."

Source: Philippine Star December 23, 2019 03:45 UTC