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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP distances itself on calls to ban POGOs, says focus is on legality of operation in PH

PNP distances itself on calls to ban POGOs, says focus is on legality of operation in PH

Published Jan 23, 2023 01:23 pm

Is it legal, or illegal?

This is the only question that matters to the Philippine National Police (PNP) according to its chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. amid the apparent tug-of-war between Malacañang and some senators on calls to ban the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

"On the part of the PNP, we will continue to operate against the operations of illegal POGOs. We will continuously coordinate with PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation) because there are licensed and unlicensed POGOs," said Azurin.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. was earlier quoted saying that he wants good reason to ban POGOs in the country.

He stood in the same position held by the Duterte administration which cited the multi-billion revenues from POGO operations in the country.

Some senators and other groups, however, argued that the negative impact of POGOs in the country outweighs the revenue being generated from POGO. They cited the rise of criminal incidents, particularly kidnapping-for-ransom, in areas where POGOs operate, such as the southern part of Metro Manila and in Clark Airbase areas.

The PNP, however, conducted a crackdown on illegal POGO operations, starting off with the mandatory registration of foreign POGO workers in the country, which include securing police clearance.

The PNP's move came amid confirmed data of rise of criminal incidents involving Chinese and other foreign POGO workers in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Cavite.

Azurin said the PNP and other law enforcement agencies will focus on running after illegal POGO operations, aside from preventive measures to deny erring POGO workers to conduct illegal activities in the country.

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