Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called for sustained action against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to ensure that the industry's remnants are effectively purged.
“More than ever, we need to sustain our efforts to clear out all criminal syndicates that are products of POGOs. We must stay the course to ensure a safer and more secure Philippines for all Filipinos,” said Gatchalian.
For more than two years, the senator advocated for the termination of all POGO operations in the country.
The deadline for the cessation of all POGO operations in the country lapsed on December 31 last year.
However, Gatchalian noted that POGOs have transformed themselves into other business entities, such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies, resorts, and restaurants, to camouflage their illegal activities.
“All law enforcement agencies, in close coordination with local government units, as well as the general public must remain vigilant against the presence of POGO offshoots disguised as legitimate business entities,” said Gatchalian.
The senator further warned against complacency, emphasizing that the transformation of POGOs into other business forms poses similar risks to peace and order and public safety.
He cited information from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) which said that it is working with other agencies to locate some 11,000 former POGO workers slated for deportation.
He said these illegal aliens could possibly get themselves involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping following reports of such incidents.
“Because they have evaded deportation, we can safely assume that these illegal aliens are onto something unlawful and vigilance of everyone is necessary to ensure that such activities are arrested and these aliens are deported as soon as possible,” he said.
Gatchalian also commended the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for moving to cancel birth certificates that were fraudulently acquired.
“Bagama’t pinupuri natin ang OSG sa kanilang aksyon, gusto din nating hilingin na mas bilisan pa nila ang kanilang pagkilos laban sa mga mapagpanggap na dayuhan para mas mapigilan pa ang kanilang mga mapang-abusong gawain dito sa bansa (While we commend the OSG for their actions, we also urge them to expedite their efforts against fraudulent foreigners to further prevent their abusive activities in the country),” he ended.