Wanted ex-POGO worker arrested in Dumaguete

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A 34-year-old Chinese national and former Philippine offshore gaming operator employee wanted for robbery in Calabarzon was arrested in a joint intelligence-driven operation in Barangay Looc, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on Friday.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, said Xi was arrested while en route to Dipolog City through Dumaguete.

Malong said the case stemmed from an incident in December 2021, when Xi and a companion allegedly kept a Toyota Alphard and demanded PHP 3 million from the complainant in exchange for the vehicle’s return.

Malong said Xi’s companion reportedly instructed the complainant’s driver to take the vehicle to Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City to pick them up.

After boarding the vehicle, the two directed the driver to Shore Residences, where Xi’s companion ordered him to leave the vehicle and take a transport network vehicle service ride home.

The driver was allegedly threatened and told not to ask questions or report the incident.

The two failed to return the vehicle to its owner despite repeated demands.

The complainant then reported the incident to the police, leading to an entrapment operation in which Xi’s companion was arrested.

Xi is in the custody of the Dumaguete City Police Station pending her turnover to the court that issued the arrest warrant and the completion of required legal procedures.

The operation was carried out in coordination with the Anti-Carnapping Section of the National Capital Region Police Office’s Regional Intelligence Division, the Bacoor City Police Station, the Regional Intelligence Division-Regional Special Operations Unit 4A and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Task Force.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, said no wanted person could escape the long arm of the law when police units worked together with determination and precision.

“This successful operation highlights the strength of intelligence sharing and seamless coordination among law enforcement agencies,” he added.

Cardiño said the regional office remained steadfast in supporting efforts to locate and arrest fugitives and ensure they answer for their offenses before the courts.