PAGCOR cracks down on POGO-related kidnappings

The Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) is stepping up its collaboration with law enforcement agencies following a rise in kidnappings linked to online gambling operators.?

The gaming regulator warned that the crime spree potentially puts the entire industry at risk and that it will cancel the licenses of any POGOs falling foul of the law.?

PAGCOR held an inter-agency meeting with agents from the Department of Justice, national police, government officials and the National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday.?

The meeting followed an order from President Ferdinand Marcos to address kidnapping cases and other illegal activities amongst Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Damaging Philippines’ image

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said in a statement that the incidents were tarnishing the image of the country.

“The information we received is that these alarming incidents of kidnapping came from the ranks of illegal operators. While it will be a challenge to all participating agencies, the good thing is that we are receiving information as to where these illegal operations are located. With the help of everybody, we will be able to zero-in immediately,” he cited.

The PAGCOR chief added that the licensed POGO operators pledged their commitment to help address the problem by “policing their own ranks.”

“First, they are now going to ask their people to contain themselves in an area for safety and security purposes. Second, they will come up with an updated list of their employees because some have already resigned. Third, we will require them to submit a police clearance together with their application for an offshore gaming license employment (OGEL) ID.”

Human trafficking risk

The newly appointed PAGCOR head warned that legitimate operators may suffer if the situation does not improve, with the potential for licenses to be cancelled.?

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos cited the importance of inter-agency cooperation and regular updating of the list of legitimate foreign POGO workers in the country to avoid problems related to human trafficking.

“The problem is, those who are no longer working in legitimate POGO operations. It is important for us to track them because these kidnapping incidents are giving the POGO industry, as well as our country a bad name.”

Abalos reported that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has already started a crackdown against human trafficking. A total of 43 Chinese nationals were rescued in an operation in Angeles City on September 14. The DILG chief gave the PNP and other participating agencies a timeline of two weeks to put a stop to all POGO-related illegal activities in the country.

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who also attended the inter-agency meeting, stated that their agency, in coordination with NBI and the Bureau of Immigration, will immediately deport arrested illegal foreign workers and those responsible for the spate of kidnapping and related criminal activities.

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