Philippines-listed DigiPlus Interactive Corp has announced what it described as the “Philippines’ first-ever” surety bond programme for online gaming players. The programme, developed in partnership with the Philippine First Insurance Co Inc (PhilFirst), sets a “new benchmark in player protection,” stated DigiPlus in a Thursday filing. In the Philippines, DigiPlus is licensed to offer the digital entertainment platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone. Via the partnership, the surety bond protects player balances of up to PHP1 million (US$17,526) per player, “without requiring customers to purchase a separate policy,” said the update. With this surety bond, they can play confidently on BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, knowing that their funds are safeguarded.”In mid-August, DigiPlus reported first-half net income of PHP8.40 billion, up 60.9 percent from a year earlier.