To address the cross-border crimes and security threats posed by illegal offshore gambling operators (POGOs), the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is deepening cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, promoting intelligence sharing and joint law enforcement.
A delegation of U.S. Congressional officials met with PAOCC Deputy Director Gilberto Cruz at the temporary shelter in Pasay City. Representatives from the United Nations Foundation and the Eleanor Crook Foundation also participated in the discussions. The focus was on the proliferation of illegal POGOs in the Philippines, which has led to a series of transnational crimes including human trafficking, money laundering, and online fraud.
Cruz pointed out that these illegal gambling syndicates recruit personnel via social media and establish bases in the Philippines to expand their criminal networks, posing serious threats to national security and social order. PAOCC is leading multiple operations aimed at completely dismantling these criminal chains.
Both parties emphasized the need to further strengthen intelligence exchanges and legal mechanism alignment to establish a more efficient model of transnational cooperation in combating crimes. This move is seen as a crucial part of implementing President Marcos' "National Security First Strategy" and marks the Philippines' increasing international support in combating POGO-related crimes.
