PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil on Sunday reminded all members of the 232,000-strong force of their duty to fully uphold the law and maintain the highest standard of integrity amid their ongoing crackdown versus illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGO companies in Metro Manila and the provinces.

The top cop reiterated that any police personnel who will be found to be protecting illegal POGO operations will face appropriate disciplinary actions.

“Integrity and accountability are the cornerstones of our public service. We remain committed to ensuring that our officers uphold these values. This policy serves as a reminder: engage in illegal activities, and you will be dealt with accordingly,” Gen. Marbil said.

The PNP has intensified efforts against illegal POGOs, resulting in several successful operations.

Coordinated efforts by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Anti-Cybercrime Group have also led in the dismantling of a number of illegal POGO establishments across the country.

These operations have led to numerous arrests, seizure of illicit equipment, and significant disruption of unlawful activities, reinforcing the PNP’s dedication to eradicating illegal gambling.

Raids on several illegal POGO hubs in Tarlac and Pampanga provinces this year have also triggered the administrative relief of the local police chiefs.

Gen. Marbil commended the PNP-CIDG headed by Major Gen. Leo M. Francisco and the PNP-ACG under Brigadier Gen. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga for their exemplary performance and relentless pursuit of justice.

” Their strategic planning and effective execution have safeguarded the public and demonstrated the PNP’s capability to tackle complex criminal networks,” the PNP chief emphasized.

Gen. Marbil also reassured the public of the PNP’s commitment to maintaining public order and security through these measures.

Last Friday, the PNP-CIDG and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission filed additional human trafficking charges versus embattled suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

Maj. Gen. Francisco, joined by PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert DC Cruz filed the charges before the Department of Justice.

The additional charges for human trafficking in violation of Republic Acts 9208, 10364 and 11862 were filed in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and other allied law enforcement agencies.

Mayor Guo and her co-accused were earlier implicated in a major trafficking case currently pending before the Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 66.

Last March 18, human trafficking cases were filed against Walter Wong Long and six other foreign nationals in the aftermath of the PAOCC-led raids at the Zun Yuan Technology, Inc. located inside the Baofu Compound in Bamban last March 13.

The PNP remains steadfast in its duty to safeguard the rights and welfare of every individual and will vigorously pursue those engaged in exploitative and unlawful activities,” Gen. Marbil said in the wake of the filing of additional charges against the suspended mayor.