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Advocates Philippines
Senator Gatchalian Gains PNP Support For Expulsion Of POGOs
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Win Gatchalian, the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, has intensified his call for the expulsion of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) from the country.
His stance came after the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda, expressed his support for terminating POGO operations due to alarming crime statistics associated with the industry.
Speaking at a recent Senate hearing on the proposed budget of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies, Gen. Acorda highlighted the escalating crime rates linked to POGOs.
He emphasized the urgent need for proper regulation and monitoring, stating, "Kung hindi naman talaga properly regulated and monitored, mas magandang wala na" (If it's not properly regulated and monitored, it's better to have none at all).
PNP data revealed an increase in POGO-related crimes, with 4,039 victims reported in the first six months of the year, compared to 128 victims in 39 reported crimes in 2022.
Senator Gatchalian expressed concern about the intensity and magnitude of these crimes, which include human trafficking, abduction, homicide, illegal detention, and various scams.
He stressed that the presence of POGOs in the country was tarnishing its international reputation and diverting essential police resources away from other sectors.
Gen. Acorda acknowledged the rise in cybercrimes related to POGOs and stated that the PNP was intensifying its efforts to combat these activities.
He emphasized the importance of training local police through the anti-cybercrime group to address the growing challenges posed by the industry.
Senator Gatchalian echoed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing, "POGO has no place in our country, just looking at the statistics alone. If we want a peaceful country, then POGOs should not remain in our country any longer."
His stance came after the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda, expressed his support for terminating POGO operations due to alarming crime statistics associated with the industry.
Speaking at a recent Senate hearing on the proposed budget of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies, Gen. Acorda highlighted the escalating crime rates linked to POGOs.
He emphasized the urgent need for proper regulation and monitoring, stating, "Kung hindi naman talaga properly regulated and monitored, mas magandang wala na" (If it's not properly regulated and monitored, it's better to have none at all).
PNP data revealed an increase in POGO-related crimes, with 4,039 victims reported in the first six months of the year, compared to 128 victims in 39 reported crimes in 2022.
Senator Gatchalian expressed concern about the intensity and magnitude of these crimes, which include human trafficking, abduction, homicide, illegal detention, and various scams.
He stressed that the presence of POGOs in the country was tarnishing its international reputation and diverting essential police resources away from other sectors.
Gen. Acorda acknowledged the rise in cybercrimes related to POGOs and stated that the PNP was intensifying its efforts to combat these activities.
He emphasized the importance of training local police through the anti-cybercrime group to address the growing challenges posed by the industry.
Senator Gatchalian echoed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing, "POGO has no place in our country, just looking at the statistics alone. If we want a peaceful country, then POGOs should not remain in our country any longer."
Oct 10, 2023
