National Capital Region Police Office chief regional director P/Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo has summoned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators to discuss the recent kidnapping situation and dialogue over internal security issues in the online gambling industry.

Estomo held the dialogue regarding alleged POGO and casino related kidnapping, serious illegal detention, robbery, and other related crime incidents as they assessed the continuing threat posed against POGO employees — victimizing mostly Chinese citizens and other foreign nationals.

POGO representatives, witnesses of the kidnapping incidents, law enforcement operations in POGO establishments were in attendance as they zeroed in on the safety and security of POGO employees.

Estomo also stressed that the NCRPO Command Group, District Directors, Regional Staff, and Chiefs of Polic are developing an efficient localized security plan tailored to the needs and concerns experienced by POGO employees.

"To protect legitimate businesses from lawless elements equates to the protection of the economy. Hence, we commit to protect legitimate business operations to help ensure that our economy will thrive," Estomo said.

He added that they will have more foot, mobile and motorcycle patrols in POGO areas and nearby establishments and random checking of suspicious-looking persons within the vicinity of POGO and nearby establishments.

They would also conduct a one-day seminar, training, and tabletop exercises among all security managers and administrators of POGO on how to control and prevent incidents, especially how to properly report or coordinate with authorities in cases of kidnapping or serious illegal detention incidents in their area.

To recall, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation — as mandated by law — has the overall supervision on casinos and POGO.