Bong Go

Bong Go cites need to maintain peace, order

September 22, 2022 People's Journal 235 views

As gov’t continues crackdown on POGO-related crimes

AMID the increasing crimes being linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stressed that authorities and relevant agencies should further intensify their efforts to solve them and ensure the maintenance of peace and order and the protection of lives of people, regardless of their nationality.

“We have to carefully balance the costs and benefits regarding POGO operations in the country,” underscored Go in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 20.

“At this time, what is needed is for our law enforcement bodies to suppress crimes reportedly connected with POGO operations, as well as all other crimes perpetrated by various elements,” he continued.

Recently, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) led an operation where they were able to shut down illegal offshore gaming operations in Angeles City, Pampanga. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, and National Bureau of Investigation.

The raid was part of the government’s efforts to eradicate POGO-linked kidnappings and human trafficking cases in the country. Around 40 foreign workers were rescued during the operation.

The said workers were believed to be forced to do labor for the company.

Considering the reported crimes, Senator Go reiterated the importance for the government to maintain its tough stance on criminality and strengthen peace and order in the country.

“Anuman ang nasyonalidad ng mga biktima, mapa-banyaga man ang mga ito o Pilipino, kailangang mabigyan ng sapat na proteksyon ang sinumang walang ibang ninanais kundi ang mamuhay nang maayos dito sa loob ng ating bansa,” stressed Go.

“Without stable peace and order, it will be difficult to sustain economic development, especially now that we are trying to recover more fully from this pandemic,” he underlined.

Furthermore, Go emphasized the need to further assess and consider if government should stop such POGO operations given their impact on the over-all peace and order situation.

“Mahalaga ang peace and order. Kung umabot sa punto na hindi talaga mapigilan ang mga krimeng iniuugnay sa POGO, dapat ikonsidera na ng gobyerno na ipatigil na lang ang kanilang operasyon,” Go cited.

“Ayaw nating madamay pa ang mga ordinaryong mamamayang Pilipino na nais mabuhay nang tahimik at mapayapa. At para sa akin, mas mahalaga ang buhay ng bawat tao,” he ended.

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