The Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced last Monday that it will partner with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to inspect Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
The Philippine Inquirer reported that the alliance would “eliminate the need for police raids while uncovering illegal activities within POGO hubs.”
The entities joined forces following a June 27 incident in which more than 2,700 trafficked workers were rescued from a POGO hub. About 1,500 of the freed workers were Filipino. The rest hailed from 17 other countries.
In addition, two Taiwanese and four Chinese fugitives were discovered among those at the online operation. Authorities served warrants and a cease-and-desist order to Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. in Las Piñas City for alleged violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. PAGCOR previously shut down another POGO hub in Clark’s Sun Valley.
“We should be active in the conduct of inspections so that we can immediately see if there are any problems within POGOs,” said
Police Brigadier General Sidney Hernia. “Right now we are not doing this, PNP is not included.”
He said he has visited with PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco and “laid out the problems that we found and the actions that PAGCOR will take to monitor and inspect the different establishments.
“These policy changes would help so we no longer depend on numerous police operations. Raids come one right after another. So many people are affected. Most likely, it would be better if they involve us at the policy level.”
The changes would “help us avoid police operations and raids affecting many people. So it is better to address this concern at the policy level.”
PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda said fugitives from justice sometimes “hide in this kind of hub. We are intensifying our efforts as far as the illegal operations of these types of business.”
