By Gabriel Kim Leal
(June 6, 2024) – The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Thursday pointed fingers at the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte for allowing the influx of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) into the Philippines.
The PAOCC estimated that at least 100 illegal POGOs, usually operated by Chinese nationals, are still operating in the country.
“Tandaan natin na ang dating administrasyon ay pinayagang pumasok at magkaroon ng influx ng online gaming hubs dito sa Pilipinas,” said PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio on One PH’s Sa Totoo Lang.
But while POGOs provided jobs, there were also reports that they were involved in torture, illegal detention, sex trafficking, and investment scams, among other illicit activities.
“Hindi maitatatwa na kung anu-ano ang malalaking problemang idinudulot nitong mga POGO na ito. There are so many associated with organized crimes,” added Casio.
Despite repeated calls from lawmakers and advocacy groups, Duterte repeatedly defended POGOs, describing them as “clean” and “very essential” to the economy.
In 2021, Duterte reiterated that he needed the money from POGOs to help the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the number of POGOs in the country reached 300 in 2019. Due to stricter measures, it dwindled to 75 last year.
On Tuesday, 186 foreign and Filipino workers were rescued in a POGO hub raided in Porac, Pampanga. Of the foreigners, 126 were Chinese.
Last March, a 10-hectare POGO hub operated by Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban, Tarlac was also raided. Subsequent investigations revealed that Bamban Mayor Alice Guo was involved, with discovered vehicles inside the facility registered under her name. Guo, who has been preventively suspended, denied that she’s linked to the POGO hub.
The PAOCC noted that they are now addressing the employment of Filipino workers who might be affected once POGOs are shut down.
“We need to take that into consideration, how we will be able to help them transition into another type of livelihood,” said Casio.
Last February, a panel in the House of Representatives approved a bill seeking to ban POGOs. A similar measure was filled by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian in the upper chamber last May.
(PM)
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