3 weeks ago
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Emmanuel Tupas - The Philippine Star
February 26, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Despite the government’s ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators, criminal rings linked to the industry continue to operate, prompting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify its crackdown on illegal POGO hubs.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission executive director Gilbert Cruz previously reported that around 100 guerilla-style POGO hubs remain hidden across Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said authorities remain vigilant against crimes tied to POGOs, including illegal detention, financial fraud and human trafficking.
“The PNP will remain relentless in its efforts to curb criminal activities and dismantle networks that pose threats to peace and order,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Police investigations indicate that many kidnapping cases stem from disputes over underground gambling and cyber fraud, activities often associated with former POGO operations.
According to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, 40 kidnapping cases have been recorded from January 2024 to February 2025, with ten Chinese nationals taken by their fellow countrymen.
Marbil said the persistence of these crimes highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dismantling POGO-linked syndicates.
No pro-POGO bets
As election season approaches, Filipino voters are urged to exercise discernment in the upcoming elections, particularly in identifying senatorial candidates with ties to POGOs,.
Manila 1st District Rep. Ernix Dionisio Jr. warned that people previously involved in POGOs are now seeking government positions for self-protection.
PIGO next?
While POGOs, which involved foreign nationals gambling, have been banned, Senate President Francis Escudero has called for a study on the impact of Philippine Inland Gaming Operations (PIGO), which remains permitted and allows Filipinos to gamble.
Escudero said that following the total ban on POGOs, the government should now assess the effects of PIGO on the Filipino population.
“While we have removed POGO, we retained PIGO. In POGO, foreigners are the ones gambling, while in PIGO, it is Filipinos who gamble. So what we prohibit for foreigners, we allow our own citizens to do? If there is to be a next step, it should be carefully studied and analyzed. If POGO is deemed harmful for foreigners, does that mean PIGO is beneficial for Filipinos? That might be the next chapter to address, if ever,” Escudero said.
PIGOs refer to domestic gambling activities conducted within the country, exclusively involving Filipino participants.
He noted that the inland gaming operations first came under scrutiny during a Senate investigation due to concerns over inadequate regulations and the potential for increased gambling addiction among Filipinos, which could lead to a rise in crime.
President Marcos announced a total ban on POGO during his State of the Nation Address in July last year. — Delon Porcalla, Cecille Suerte Felipe
