Senator Sherwin Gatchalian raised alarms about the deepening ties between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and local criminal syndicates, highlighting the urgent need for national security intervention.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado, Gatchalian shared findings from a Senate Committee session on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality hearing the case of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
During the executive session, security and law enforcement agencies revealed disturbing details about the growing ties between Chinese and local criminal groups.
“After no’ng first part, kinilabutan ako dahil nga na-confirm no’ng ating mga intelligence agencies ‘yong kinakatakutan natin na lumalalim na yung ugat nitong POGO. Malalim, ibig sabihin, ‘yong kanilang impluwensya umaabot na sa mga politiko, enforcement agencies tulad ng kapulisan, Bureau of Immigration; at pangatlo, mayroon silang binanggit do’n na pati yung mga local criminal syndicates nakakasama na nila,” Gatchalian said.
“Nakakatakot ito dahil pera ng mga foreign criminal syndicates pumupunta na dito, pinopondohan nila ‘yong local criminal syndicates kaya nagsasanib-puwersa na itong mga masasamang elemento,” he added.
He emphasized the threat posed by these powerful financial connections, which could destabilize local governance and law enforcement.
Gatchalian supported Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros’s call for the National Security Council to discuss these findings with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. They urged for a review and a potential total ban on POGOs.
“Ang kinakatakutan ko, baka umabot sa punto na hindi na natin mako-control ang mga ito at sila na ang ko-control sa gobyerno natin kasi may mga tao na silang binabayaran,” the senator said.
Gatchalian also expressed suspicion about a recent raid on an alleged POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. The raid detained over 100 foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals, but fell short of the expected 1,000 detainees.
The operation was prompted by reports of scams, torture, kidnapping, and sex trafficking.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Dr. Winston John Casio admitted a possible “leak of information” might have compromised the raid.
“When the PAOCC filed the search warrant, someone tipped off the operators. So, I suspect it’s not just enforcement agencies but also the judiciary that has been compromised,” Gatchalian remarked.
“Apparently noong nag-file ng search warrant ang PAOCC, merong nag-tip dito sa mga operators. So, ang kutob ko dito hindi lang enforcement agencies, kundi pati judiciary mayroon na silang mga tao,” Gatchalian said.
This highlights a broader issue of systemic corruption aiding criminal activities.
“Marunong ding gumalaw ang mga ito para magkaroon ng mga galamay at ito ‘yong isang ebidensya na meron na silang mga tao sa mga lugar na magbibigay ng tip sa kanila,” he added.
In conclusion, Senator Gatchalian’s revelations highlight a critical threat from the collaboration between POGOs and local criminal syndicates.
The call for a national discussion and potential ban on POGOs is a crucial step towards addressing these issues.
As the story develops, diverse media coverage ensures a comprehensive understanding of POGO operations in the Philippines.