THE PHILIPPINE Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said Thursday that it will regulate the practice of financing casino players after cases of abduction due to unpaid debts.

“We likewise intend to accredit and regulate casino financiers subject to the implementing rules and regulations on lending companies by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory agencies,” PAGCOR said in a statement.

On Aug. 19, the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) arrested a Chinese national in Pasay City for allegedly abducting one of his countrymen.

Recently, four Chinese were arrested by the PNP-AKG for allegedly threatening a fellow Chinese.

Chinese who gamble overseas and in Macau face restrictions in bringing funds out of the mainland and often rely on so-called “junket operators” to provide credit. The junket operators can also enforce collection on the Mainland.

“PAGCOR and the major players in the local gaming industry denounce these criminal acts and we will not sit idly by in the face of these injustices.

There will be strict surveillance in the vicinity of casinos following reports of kidnapping of players,” the agency said.

It added, “PAGCOR believes that while gaming contributes significantly to government revenue, it must not be used as a vehicle for abuse and injustice.”

PAGCOR noted partnership with casino operators and with other government agencies in enhancing surveillance in the near vicinity of casinos.

“PAGCOR, along with our casino licensees, will strengthen our security protocols by enhancing casino surveillance facilities such as facial recognition cameras… (and) information sharing among casino operators on suspected criminals,” PAGCOR said in a statement.

According to police records, at least 120 Chinese suspects were arrested between January 2017 and August 2019 in relation to casino-related abduction. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

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