Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers hailed on Thursday, Feb. 27 the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) for successfully rescuing a 14-year-old Chinese national who was abducted last week. 

“The dedication and expertise shown by our law enforcement authorities in tracking down the victim and ensuring his safe return—despite the horrific circumstances—deserve the gratitude and full support of the publi," said Barbers, overall chairman of the House quad-committee (quad-comm).

“The disturbing details surrounding this case, including the cutting of the victim’s finger to pressure his family for ransom, are a chilling reminder of the brutal and inhumane tactics employed by criminal syndicates operating in our country," he said. 

"It is even more alarming that authorities have linked this crime to groups associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)—an industry already banned but whose criminal remnants continue to wreak havoc in our communities," added Barbers, also chairman of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs.

The veteran lawmaker from Mindanao said POGOs are now the root cause of a wide array of heinous crimes in the country—from money laundering, espionage, cyber hacking, and wiretapping, to violent acts such as murder, kidnapping for ransom, rape, prostitution, and even torture. 

He said the latest incident, which involved the abduction of a minor, proved that these criminal networks, will continue to threaten public safety.

“The government must not stop at rescuing the victim. I urge our law enforcement agencies to pursue all those responsible for this barbaric act and bring the full force of the law upon them," Barbers said.

Threat from POGO criminals remain

The quad-comm chief said every individual involved in the crime must be held accountable. "We cannot afford to wait for another child, another innocent life, to be put in danger."

“I cannot fathom the fact that most of the arrested POGO personalities and employees have not been deported yet and worse, were set free. One does not have to be a rocket scientist to conclude that these freed personalities continue to engage in illegal activities including these criminal acts," he said.

"As long as they are free and remain in our country, these crimes will continue. All law enforcement agencies must work for the apprehensions and immediate deportations of all arrested foreigners involved in POGO operations,” Barbers noted.

“This incident is not just a crime against one family—it is an assault on the safety of our society. We, as public servants, owe it to the people to dismantle these criminal enterprises once and for all," he further said.

"I stand with the PNP-AKG and all our law enforcement agencies in the fight against organized crime, and I will continue to push for stronger policies to protect our communities from the lingering threats posed by these outlawed POGO operations,” Barbers added.