House probe sought on Davao del Norte execs with POGO links
At A Glance
- Davao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Alan "Aldu" Dujali filed on Monday, Dec. 9, a resolution batting for an immediate investigation into certain provincial officials' alleged involvement with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
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Davao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Alan “Aldu” Dujali filed on Monday, Dec. 9, a resolution batting for an immediate investigation into certain provincial officials' alleged involvement with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Dujali, in a statement, said he issued the urgent call following the raid conducted by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Region XI at an illegal POGO in Barangay Manay, Panabo City.
Based on reports, the raid on Friday resulted to the arrest of 59 workers, majority of whom are Chinese.
Dujali noted that the NBI also received information that some local officials were acting as “protectors” of the illegal POGO hub.
He noted that the House of Representatives must also investigate the incident, and cited the several probes the chamber already conducted on the proliferation of illegal POGOs in the country.
The famed quad-committee (quad-comm), in particular, administered a series of hearings on the topic over several months. The panel probed the alleged links of POGOs and illegal drugs, as well as extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under the Duterte administration.
According to Dujali, launching this new congressional inquiry is in line with the government's policy to instill peace and order, as well as promote the general welfare of the public.
The lawmaker noted that during the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos emphasized the harmful effects of POGOs and its subsequent ban.
Last Nov. 5, Marcos signed Executive Order (EP) No. 74 to impose the immediate ban of Philippine offshore gaming, internet gaming, and other gaming operations in the country.