Solon calls for sustained actions vs. POGO-related crimes in Phl

There must be sustained actions against all criminalities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country, Senator Win Gatchalian said Wednesday. 

In a media briefing, Gatchalian stressed serious moves must be taken to ensure that remnants of illegal POGOs will be wiped out in the Philippines.  

“More than ever, we need to sustain our efforts to clear out all criminal syndicates that are products of POGOs. We must stay the course to ensure a safer and more secure Philippines for all Filipinos,” Gatchalian, who has long been advocating for the termination of all POGO operations in the country, said.

Gatchalian lamented that the deadline for the cessation of all POGO operations in the country had already lapsed on 31 December 2024. 

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to ban all illegal POGOs in the country, Gatchalian noted that some of them have transformed themselves into other service entities, such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies, resorts, and restaurants, to camouflage their illegal activities.

“All law enforcement agencies, in close coordination with local government units, as well as the general public must remain vigilant against the presence of POGO offshoots disguised as legitimate business entities,” the senator warned. 

Gatchalian told authorities not to be complacent saying the transformation of illegal POGOs into other business forms poses similar risks to peace and order and public safety. 

He cited information from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) which stated that it is working with other agencies to locate some 11,000 former POGO workers slated for deportation.

He said these illegal aliens could get themselves involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping following reports of such incidents.

"Because they have evaded deportation, we can safely assume that these illegal aliens are onto something unlawful and vigilance of everyone is necessary to ensure that such activities are arrested and these aliens are deported as soon as possible,” Gatchalian said. 

Meanwhile, the senator lauded the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for moving to cancel birth certificates that were fraudulently acquired.

“While we commend the OSG for their actions, we also urge them to intensify their efforts against fraudulent foreigners so we can prevent their abusive activities in the country,” he said.