PAOCC links POGO muscle group to student kidnapping

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) suspects that the kidnappers of a Chinese student are part of the "muscle group" hired by illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz stated that this "muscle group" typically consists of retired military personnel.

These individuals are allegedly employed by POGOs to carry out kidnappings, inflict harm, issue threats, and even commit murder in exchange for payment or to fulfill specific demands.

Cruz further elaborated that this group acts as the enforcers for POGO management, using methods like kidnapping and torture, often accompanied by video evidence sent to the victim's family to secure ransom payments.

The 14-year-old Chinese student was rescued last week by the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), with no ransom paid.

The student's family driver was later found dead, several days after the kidnapped student was reunited with his father.