The Taguig Police activated the “Oplan React POGO” or "Repress Acts of Criminals Targeting POGO" to create a safe environment for local and foreign employees.
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) “refers to an entity that offers and participates in offshore gaming services by providing games to players, taking bets, and paying the winning players,” according to the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the House of Representatives.
Taguig Police chief Col. Christopher Olazo (Photo from Taguig Police's Facebook page)
It added, “The gaming activity refers to online games of chance through the internet, using a network and software, exclusively for offshore-authorized players who have registered and established an online gaming account with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)-licensed POGO.”
On May 8, the Taguig Police posted a notice on its Facebook page in English and Chinese, saying, “The Taguig City Police Station assures the public of its close coordination with LGU's DOLE-NCR, Bureau of Immigration, PAGCOR and other law enforcement agencies in resolving security issues related to POGO's.”
The Facebook post by the Taguig Police on May 8 (Photo from Taguig Police's Facebook page)
“We are one with the Government in creating a safe working environment both for local and foreign employees,” the police said.
The Taguig Police, now headed by Col. Christopher Olazo, added, “we urge the public to immediately report to the nearest police stations any suspicious or illegal activities. Likewise, do not hesitate in sending complaints or suggestions to our hotlines for immediate acts.”
Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, expressed concerns about the possible connections of POGOs to surveillance activities and the hacking of government websites.
She urged the government to ban POGOs in the country.
“And let us be clear: POGOs are scam centers. POGOs are a hotspot of fugitives. POGOs are a petri dish for crimes. Kung gusto talaga labanan ng administrasyon ang krimen at ang banta sa ating pambansang seguridad (If the administration really wants to fight crimes and threat to national security), the President should start with banning POGOs," she said.