The Philippine national police are set to deploy at least two of its Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) strike teams near casinos with a high prevalence of kidnappings, local media reports.
“We will be deploying two of our teams in the satellite office. They will be tasked to immediately respond to all reports of kidnappings in the casinos,” said AKG director Col. Jonnel Estomo.
Estomo said this is part of efforts to address the rising number of casino-related kidnappings, where almost all of the victims are Chinese, and perpetrators also Chinese.
Based on AKG data obtained by the Manila Bulletin, there was a total of 53 casino-related cases were reported since 2017.
Other than the satellite office, AKG spokes Lt. Col Elmer Cereno said they will also deploy intelligence operatives in all casinos.
“The deployment of intelligence operatives is part of our proactive measures to address this problem,” said Cereno.
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