Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has stressed that law enforcement authorities should continue stepping up their efforts to crack down on reported crimes particularly those linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Go stressed that the government must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of POGO operations in the country.
He emphasized the need to maintain peace and order, and protect people's lives, regardless of their nationality.
Go earlier expressed concern over recent reports of abductions and kidnappings in the country as he urged the government to maintain a tougher stance against criminality.
He said Senator Ronald ‘’Bato’’dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, had raised the issue of recent incidents of kidnappings in various parts of the country, notably those involving women and Filipino-Chinese.
In response to the reports, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) organized an operation that allowed them to close down illegal offshore gaming activities in Angeles City, Pampanga.
During the operation, over 40 foreign workers were saved. The workers were allegedly coerced into performing labor for the company.
Recently, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri urged balancing the social costs of POGOs in relation to their financial contribution to the government.
Go urged the authorities to uphold law and order and make sure that everyone's lives—Filipinos and foreigners in the country alike—are protected.