Philippine Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has urged an immediate halt to the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country, citing concerns that their operations are involved in human trafficking.
Hontiveros expressed serious concerns about the use of POGO operations by fraudulent syndicates during a recent inspection with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian of an POGO in Pamban, Tarlac province, which was raided for human trafficking and false imprisonment.
Hontiveros highlighted the link between POGOs and illegal activities, claiming that despite the legal status of POGOs in the Philippines, their presence “has never made the Philippines a better place.”
The Philippine Organized Crime Commission notified senators that it has arrested six Chinese fugitives who were involved in Bitcoin and dating scams here. Mobile phones were also found hanging from metal stands, along with a number of SIM cards that could have been used in fraudulent activities.
Senator Hontiveros pointed out that the online gambling center that was raided in Bambang shares many characteristics with other scam websites, such as offices equipped with computer workstations and educational materials and scripts for romance scams and encryption schemes.
Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution 1001 urging an investigation into foreigners who obtained Philippine citizenship through forged documents.
The resolution, like that of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, expressed concern over the abuse of the visa-on-arrival process by some POGO employees to enter the Philippines without authorization.
The topic has divided the Senate in terms of support for gaming companies, especially online gaming companies, in response to some recent cases.
While the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and gaming support officials pledged efforts to combat misconduct and improve the gaming industry, Senator Hontiveros stood firm in his demand for the immediate closure of POGOs, citing the importance of protecting the country from crime.
