PNP creates task force vs illegal POGOs

MANILA, Philippines — As reports mount on the involvement of Philippine offshore gaming operators in illegal activities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has formed a special task force to dismantle unlicensed POGO hubs that authorities say have put the country in a bad light.

“We created a special task force for us to collaborate with other agencies to really address the problem,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said yesterday at the launch of Special Task Force Skimmer at Camp Crame.

This developed as Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos issued a memorandum circular requiring local government units to make an inventory of offshore gaming operations in their jurisdictions.

PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria heads the task force, with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) as the lead unit.

The task force has three branches – administration, intelligence and operations.

Among the other police units under the Task Force are the Directorate for Operations, Directorate for Police Community Relations, Anti-Cybercrime Group, Anti-Kidnapping Group, Women and Children Protection Center, Special Action Force, Highway Patrol Group, Aviation Security Group, Maritime Group, Police Security and Protection Group, Directorate for Intelligence and Intelligence Group.

The PNP’s anti-scalawag unit, the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, is also a part of the task force.

Brig. Gen. Nicolas Salvador said among the functions of the task force are intelligence case buildup, formulation of case operational plans and strengthening of the information network with barangays.

The task force’s other role is establishing interoperability with other law enforcement and concerned government agencies.

“Through the STF Skimmer, the PNP shall dismantle illegal IGL (internet gaming licensees) through intelligence gathering, coordinated law enforcement operations and legal action to uphold the rule of law, protect vulnerable individuals and safeguard national security,” Salvador said, referring to POGO by its new official name.

Law enforcement operations against illegal POGOs have so far resulted in the rescue of at least 5,834 victims of different nationalities and the arrest of 1,175 suspects, 875 of whom are Chinese nationals.

Two illegal POGO hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga were raided due to alleged human trafficking and other illegal activities, including torture.

Authorities said the POGOs are connected with suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, who went into hiding after being ordered arrested by the Senate.

Meanwhile, Abalos said the number of POGOs has gone down to 43 licensed establishments from the previous 200 following extensive raids made by authorities. He added that many of the POGO hubs were scam farms.

In remarks at a meeting on peace and order and public safety at Camp Crame yesterday, Abalos stressed that LGUs have autonomous powers to carry out operations aimed at ensuring peace and order in their localities.

Abalos said local officials, in partnership with national agencies, would visit every online gaming establishment to check on its license.

“We will not wait for raids to happen in a locality. We will visit establishments one at a time – starting with those most suspicious,” he said.