Philippines reported 42 cases of kidnapping related to gambling
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat issued a statement on Wednesday aimed at reassuring tourists that the Philippines is safe to visit.
Philippines.- According to the information provided by the the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), there were reported 42 cases of kidnapping related to gambling.
The kidnappings, which primarily involved Chinese nationals, included 36 casino-related crimes and six linked with the nation’s Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry, according to Inside Asian Gaming.
During the last months, thousands of chinese people move to Philippines following the rise of online gambling operations here and the increase of business projects that in a lot of cases only hire chinese people.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat issued a statement on Wednesday aimed at reassuring tourists that the Philippines is safe to visit.
“It’s very much safe. We will not promote a place where we know it’s not safe. Why? If something happens to even a single tourist, it destroys the whole Philippines,” she said.
Although casino-related kidnappings decreased in the last months, local authorities are very concerned on the situation. They want to show tourists that they do not have to be afraid in coming to Philippines.
“We’re not only in touch with the PNP but also the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local government units. It is to our advantage to make sure that the tourists are safe so that when they come to a particular destination, they’re assured nothing bad will happen to them, that they are safe and secure,” she added.
