Mambabatas, pinnapurihan ang matagumpay na pagkakaligtas ng 14-anyos Chinese national

PINAPURIHAN ni Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, Chairman ng House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, ang matagumpay na pagkakaligtas sa isang 14-anyos na Chinese national ng Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) matapos dukutin noong nakalipas na linggo.

“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 public”, ani Barbers.

Ayon sa mambabatas, ang nakakakilabot na detalye sa kaso, kabilang na ang pagputol sa daliri ng biktima para mapilitang magbayad ng ransom ang pamilya nito, ay isang pagpapakita kung gaano ka-brutal at hindi makatao ang taktikang ginagamit ng mga sindikato na nag-ooperate sa bansa.

Nakakaalarma aniya ang ginawang pag-ugnay ng otoridad ang krimen sa grupong may kaugnayan sa Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), na ipinagbawal na mag-operate sa bansa ngunit nananatiling naghahasik ng lagim ang natitirang latak nito sa komunidad.

Sinabi pa ng mambabatas na ang POGOs ang siyang pangunahing dahilan ng iba’t ibang krimen sa bansa, mula sa money laundering, espionage, cyber hacking, wiretapping, murder, kidnapping for ransom, rape, prostitution, at torture.

“This latest incident, involving the abduction of a minor, is further proof 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. Every individual involved—whether they are directly responsible or part of a larger criminal network—must be held accountable. We cannot afford to wait for another child, another innocent life, to be put in danger”, dagdag niya.

Hindi rin niya maintindihan kung bakit hindi pa napapadeport ang karamihan sa mga naarestong personalidad at empleyado na may kaugnayan sa POGO at ang matindi pa ay pinalaya pa umano ang mga ito.

“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. 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,” sabi ni Barbers. (Vina de Guzman)