In order to destroy unlicensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), the Philippine National Police (PNP) has established a dedicated special operations group. The move comes in response to growing issues associated with illegal Internet gambling license holders (IGLs), including espionage, human trafficking and various forms of exploitation and fraud. According to local media reports, PNP Acting Deputy Chief of Operations Brigadier General Nicolas Salvador highlighted the serious security issues posed by unlicensed POGOs.
Task Force Skimmer's Mission
Special Task Force (STF) Skimmer, led by PNP Deputy Chief of Operations Lieutenant General Michael John Dubria, will be responsible for intelligence gathering and coordinating law enforcement operations nationwide. Salvador laid out the team’s goals: to dismantle illegal IGLs, uphold the rule of law, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure national security through comprehensive intelligence operations and legal measures.
STF Skimmer was established at Camp Crame in Quezon City and is structured into three main branches: Administration, Intelligence and Operations. It includes various units of the PNP, such as the Anti-Cybercrime Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and Women and Children Protection Center. The task force aims to strengthen information networks with local communities and enhance collaboration with other government agencies.
Government and law enforcement coordination
Meanwhile, Philippine Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. recently held a meeting with law enforcement agencies and local government units in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon with the aim of eradicating illegal POGOs. Senate President Francis Escudero stressed the need for government agencies to effectively regulate these operators, pointing out loopholes in the current system, especially regarding the issuance of forged documents.
Escudero criticized agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for their inefficiency. He stressed the importance of accurate issuance of documents and the need for strong measures to curb fraudulent activities. The senator also pointed out the lack of cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and BI, which has led to an uncontrolled increase in illegal immigration in the country.
Legislative Action and Enforcement
Philippine lawmakers have called for an investigation into reports that Chinese nationals obtained Philippine citizenship through forged birth certificates. Alice Guo, the suspended mayor of Bamban city in Tarlac province, is under scrutiny for allegedly obtaining citizenship through fraudulent means. Escudero's criticism also concerns BI, pointing out that they have failed to track and manage the influx of illegal immigrants, resulting in many being involved in unauthorized POGO operations.
Progress and Plans
According to local media reports, law enforcement operations against illegal POGOs in the Philippines have rescued more than 5,800 victims and arrested 1,175 suspects, most of whom are Chinese citizens. Recently, two illegal POGO centers in Tallac and Pampanga were raided due to their involvement in human trafficking and other criminal activities.
Abalos pointed out that the number of licensed POGO institutions has dropped significantly, from 200 to 43, mainly due to powerful raids. He emphasized the role of local governments in maintaining order and ensuring that all online gambling establishments obtain legal licenses. Abalos announced plans to conduct a thorough inspection of these institutions, starting with the most suspicious, to prevent further illegal activity.
