THE Philippine National Police (PNP) headed by General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil will be fully implementing President Marcos Jr.’s order completely banning all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and all associated offshore gaming activities nationwide.

According to PNP spokesperson, Brigadier Gen. Jean S. Fajardo, the PNP is also prepared to intensify law enforcement operations and collaborate closely with other government agencies to ensure the effective implementation of Executive Order No. 74.

“This decisive measure is aligned with our commitment to enhance national security, maintaining public order and protecting our communities from the adverse impacts linked to POGO operations, including rising crime rates, social instability and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals,” she said in a statement.

The official said the PNP Task Force Skimmer, which was specifically established to address POGO-related activities, “will spearhead efforts to dismantle illegal operations and ensure compliance with the Executive Order.”

The PNP leadership also mustered the support of the citizenry in their effort to fully implement the presidential directive.

In EO No. 74, the Commander-in-Chief officially banned POGOs, internet gaming and other offshore gaming operations in the country citing a study conducted by the Department of Finance.

The DOF noted that the risks and negative consequences associated with POGO activities, such as increased crime rates, social instability and exploitation of vulnerable people, outweighed the economic and social benefits from the industry.

President Marcos also noted that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reported that “POGOs have been identified as susceptible to money laundering, fraud and other illicit financial activities, and therefore pose substantial threats to the integrity of the national financial system.”

The Chief Executive said the reputational risks associated with POGO and Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) “deter foreign investment and tourism, undermining the efforts of the National Government in promoting the country as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination.”

Under the EO, all POGOs, IGLs, other offshore gaming operations and ancillary services with licenses, permits or authorizations shall completely cease operations.

They were directed to wind up their affairs by December 31, 2024 or earlier.

All existing licenses, permits or authorizations issued to the sector shall no longer be renewed or extended, while applications for new licenses, permits or authorizations will be banned.

The President ordered the creation of technical working groups to enforce the ban, address its economic impact, and assist displaced Filipino workers and directed law enforcement agencies “to intensify their efforts against illegal POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operations and services.”

EO No. 74, known as the “Immediate Ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming, Internet Gaming, and Other Offshore Gaming Operations in the Philippines,” mandated the closure of all POGOs, internet gaming and other offshore gaming operations in the country by December 31, 2014.

It was described by many as a major step closer toward eradicating controversial POGO operations in the country in keeping with the government’s role to “uphold the rule of law,
protect the safety of its citizens and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.”

It is widely known that POGO firms, which flourished in the country during the previous Duterte administration, cater mostly to bettors from China where gambling is strictly prohibited.

However, a study showed that any economic and social benefits these POGOs brought greatly outweighed severe social consequences including online fraud, human trafficking, kidnapping-for-ransom, murder and torture which caused the country a black eye abroad.

Last October 29, controversy marred a raid at the Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila conducted by the National Capital Region Police Office and the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group after lawyers of the raided establishment accused officers of extortion and abuses.

However, the PNP maintained that the raid was conducted on the strength of a Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data issued by a Manila court to apprehend online scammers and illegal POGO operators in the area.

Brig. Gen. Fajardo also reiterated the administrative relief of NCRPO chief, Major Gen. Sidney S. Hernia and PNP-ACG director, Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga, is not a punishment but merely to give way to ensure an impartial investigation.

The official said that prior to the October 29 operation, the company, called Quantum Solution, was formerly known as Vertex Technology which was confirmed to have been already raided twice by authorities for suspected involvement in fraudulent online activities.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon