‘POGO cop escorts to face charges’

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos wants criminal charges to be filed against police officers moonlighting as security escorts for Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).

Abalos said these security operations are unauthorized and will be investigated by the Philippine National Police and its Internal Affairs Service.

“We need the police force to be available in important matters, such as the upcoming (village and youth council) elections (on Oct. 30). We are really stretching,” he said in Filipino.

There is no security risk for POGOs that would merit a private security escort composed of police officers, he added.

Meanwhile, Abalos urged voters not to engage in vote-buying and selling in the upcoming elections.