Former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. (Dexter Barro II/MANILA BULLETIN)

Former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos is pushing the Marcos administration to issue a clear-cut executive order (EO) that would formalize the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

‘’I urge the national government to immediately issue and release the executive order as regards the ban on POGO operations, Abalos said in a statement on Monday, Oct. 14.

President Marcos earlier declared a total ban on POGOs during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 22.

Despite the proclamation, Abalos said criminal syndicates have continued to exploit POGO resources to fuel their illicit operations.

With this, an EO would be necessary to provide the necessary framework in enforcing the ban, he reckoned.

He said the order will also amplify the ongoing efforts to crack down on crime syndicates.

“This EO will strengthen and empower more of our law enforcement agencies in running after those behind POGO operations, both foreign and Filipino nationals,” the former DILG chief added.

Abalos, a senatorial candidate under the administration’s “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas” slate, said he is committed to pursue measures that would mark the end to POGOs if elected.

‘’Kung tayo ay palarin, magtutulak tayo ng mga panukala na siyang magtitiyak na hindi na ulit magbibigay ng perwisyo sa taong-bayan ang POGO,” he said.

(If we are fortunate, we will push for proposals that will ensure that POGO will no longer harm our countrymen.)

“Stiffer penalties are needed to ensure that their operations will not resume in our country,” he added.

Recently, raids on illegal POGO hubs all over the country found evidence linking the industry to various criminal activities such as human trafficking, money laundering, torture, and prostitution, among others.

Abalos, a lawyer by profession, advised the general public to immediately report to authorities if they have information about continuing POGO operations in their areas.

‘’Makipagtulungan po tayo sa mga awtoridad upang tuluyan nang mapahinto ang operasyon ng POGO sa ating bansa,’’ he noted.

(Let's work together with authorities to completely halt the operation of POGOs in our country.)