Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros called on law enforcement agencies on Monday (September 2) to strengthen the comprehensive ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), as some operators are still operating "underground."
"Despite the President's announcement in the State of the Nation Address, the underground activities of POGO continue, hence I urge our law enforcement to strengthen and implement the President's comprehensive ban on entry," Hontiveros said in a statement on Monday.
On August 31, the President's Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) raided an illegal POGO center in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, rescuing over 150 foreigners.
"Our hearings clearly show that these online gambling companies are operated by organized crime syndicates in collusion with some public officials... This is why we are determined to hold those officials who condone them accountable," Hontiveros said. Hontiveros also hopes to strengthen coordination between law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and local government units.
The Senate Minority Deputy Leader stated: "This practice should no longer be allowed, including rebranding of POGO. There are reports that POGO will become call centers, or will be hidden in economic zones and other scams."
In light of the recent POGO raid in Cebu, Hontiveros also reiterated the necessity to enforce Republic Act No. 12010 or the Anti-Financial Account Fraud Act (AFASA).
"AFASA also has a provision that allows the use of seized assets to protect victims. It's time we enact laws," Hontiveros emphasized the need to seek justice for victims. The Bureau of Immigration has downgraded the visa levels of over 2,000 POGO workers.
She said, according to the law, forcing trafficking victims into labor can be considered economic sabotage.
Last July, during the third SONA, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. announced that he would ban POGO and require them to cease operations by the end of the year.
