According to General Rommel Francisco Mabil, the chief of the Philippine National Police, this move is to ascertain Hidalgo's responsibility for the recent illegal arrests of online gaming operators.
Others under investigation include all personnel of the Bamban, Tarlac City Police Station, the chief of the Polac Police Station in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, and the chief of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police.
Mabil stated, "We are conducting investigations as these reports were not handled properly." He added that he does not believe these officials are "protectors" of POGOs.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., citing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), mentioned that currently, there are only 43 legal online gaming firms operating in Cavite, Camarines, and the Metro Manila area.
In the recent massive illegal POGO raid, there were reports of torture, killings, and human trafficking. The mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, Alice Guo, was suspended for six months, expelled from the NPC, and charged with human trafficking.
This arrest operation has also drawn the attention of Philippine representatives and triggered further actions from other relevant government agencies.
