“This is to clarify that Ceza has not allowed Loo Choon Beng in the Cagayan Freeport gaming facilities. We are strict with delinquent operators: We cancel their licenses and we do not in any way condone anything illegal,” Ceza Administrator and CEO Jose Mari Ponce said in a statement. He said he has already alerted the freeport’s locators against illegal gaming activities and reminded them to be aware and to actively thwart the occurrence of such activities.

“Our land-based gaming operators in Cagayan have issued individual certifications that no person under the name of Loo Choon Beng, alias Ben Liu, has ever been in their facilities or premises since January 1, 2011,” Ponce said.

In a recent hearing conducted by the House committee on games and amusements, it was disclosed that the Singaporean was spotted at the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP) this year operating a gaming facility.

CSEZFP is Asia’s first online gaming jurisdiction regulated by Ceza through its master licensor First Cagayan Leisure and Resorts Corp. (FCLRC), which is in charge of processing applications and determining the suitability of prospective operators.

Reynaldo Bantug, chairman of FCLRC, said that they only give licenses to legitimate operators. “Our business is trustworthy and transparent.  Investors are confident that if they locate here, they have legitimacy. 

(Max de Leon)