The spate of kidnapping of Chinese nationals in Manila, Bulacan and Calabarzon may be connected to the closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"Iyan ang isa sa inaanticipate namin dahil nga wala na, effective Dec. 31, wala nang POGO," said PNP Regional Office 3 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo in an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo on Saturday.

"Nakipag-ugnayan kami sa anti-kidnapping group at sinabi nga nila na may reported incidents na pangingidnap ng Chinese national at lumalabas na ang may kinalaman ay kapwa nila Chinese," she added.

"Ang nakakalungkot nga bagamat 'yung iba ay narelease dahil nagbayad ng ransom, released unharmed, pero yung iba may napatay. Based sa ating datos, yung iba ay napatay or still missing."

Fajardo said the abduction could be connected to turf wars among the remaining POGOs. 

"Ineexpect natin 'yung guerrilla operations ng mga maililiit (na POGOs) dahil nag-aagawan ng turf 'yan ay talaga ay maaring sila sila ang magsakitan dito," she said.

Fajardo said that based on the instructions of PNP Chief Rommel Marbil, they will continue to collaborate with the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission to hunt down the remaining illegal POGOs.   

"Hindi natin papayagan na itong maliliit ng operation (ng POGO) na magtutuloy tuloy po. Ito ay nagiging ugat, pag 'di nila nakuha ang mga gusto, sila ay nangingidnap. Hindi natin papayagan ito," said Fajardo.