By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged local government units (LGUs) to remain vigilant against Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), emphasizing the need for heightened surveillance and action.
Marcos made the call during the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) – Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) meeting for 2024 at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
In a social media post, the President revealed that he has directed law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption bodies to step up efforts to crack down on illegal POGOs.
“Inatasan natin ang Pagcor, PAOCC (Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission), PNP, at CIDG na paigtingin ang kanilang operasyon laban sa mga ilegal na POGO at IGL (internet gaming licensees) operations sa ating bansa,” Marcos said.
He also called on LGUs to actively address suspicious activities in their areas.
“Sa mga LGU, huwag nating kalimutan ang ating tungkulin na alamin kung ano ang nangyayari sa ating mga komunidad. Makipag-ugnayan sa DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) at huwag na tayong magbulag-bulagan,” he added.
In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, Marcos announced a ban on all POGOs, legitimate and otherwise, as the industry was marred with serious issues such as human trafficking, prostitution, abduction, and murder.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously stated that he would issue a memorandum requiring local chief executives to monitor and report any suspicious activities related to illegal POGOs.
Crackdown
Remulla, meanwhile, said law enforcement agencies will continue to hunt POGOs even after the closure of all remaining ones starting Dec. 15,
Together with the PAOCC, Remulla said the DILG through the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the LGUs will scour potential areas to put an end to illegal POGOs.
Remulla said that in 2025, he would be able to categorically say that the Philippines is POGO-free as all licenses will be cancelled in adherence to the directive of the President.
“Guerilla operations will flourish but we will go after them. As per the President’s instructions, we will make it very difficult for them until they say that it is no longer worth operating in the Philippines,” he said in statement.
Remulla will also issue a directive requiring local chief executives to report suspicious activities about the potential establishment of POGOs in their areas amid the total ban.
Commitment
Meanwhile, PNP chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil assured the President that the police force remains dedicated to fulfilling its mandate.
“The entire Philippine National Police stands united in its mission to serve and protect the Filipino people. We assure President Marcos of our full support as we implement these priorities to strengthen peace and security across the nation,” Marbil said.
During the command conference, Marcos highlighted the need for the PNP to remain proactive and vigilant in addressing emerging challenges.
Among the key points discussed was the urgency to strengthen cybercrime prevention through advanced training for police personnel. Recognizing the growing threat in the digital landscape, the President underscored the importance of equipping the PNP with the necessary skills and tools to combat cybercrime effectively.
The President also stressed that no crime is worse than the exploitation of children, urging the police force to intensify efforts in protecting the youth from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
This aligns with his administration’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable sectors of society.
As the holiday season approaches, Marcos directed the PNP to ensure peace and order, with particular focus on the safety of travelers, minimizing traffic congestion, and facilitating smooth public activities. He emphasized the need to maintain heightened vigilance during this busy period.
On the matter of illegal drugs, President Marcos called for sustained coordination with other government agencies to enhance the effectiveness of anti-drug operations. He reiterated the need for a comprehensive and united approach to address this persistent issue. (with report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)