Abalos orders halting of deployment of police security detail to POGO operators

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on Friday ordered the halting of deployment of police security detail to private foreign individuals working in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

Abalos disclosed this during a Senate budget hearing after lawmakers questioned the Philippine National Police Police Security and Protection Group's (PNP-PSPG) deployment of personnel to foreigners who are said to be linked to the POGO industry.

The DILG is seeking approval to its 251.184-billion budget for next year.

"If the Philippines is such a dangerous place for them, e bakit sila nandito to business?" Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimente III asked.

Senator Sonny Angara, who presided over the hearing, likewise pointed out that the Filipino taxpayers are the ones who are paying for these PNP-PSPG personnel and government resources should be allocated for the security of the locals and not the foreigners.

PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurini Jr. said he has ordered a review of the individuals who can be provided with security by the PSPG.

He explained these private individuals are requesting security from the PNP-PSPG to ensure "direct contact" with the country's police force.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, then suggested Azurin to just issue an order halting the deployment of PSPG to POGO workers.

"When the issue is very hot about POGO, isang order mo lang yan. 'Oh PSPG stop providing security to these POGO operators.' Kasi kung kailangan nila ng maraming security, ibig sabihin they are engaged in a very dangerous busines," Dela Rosa said.

"They are here to engage not on a legal business baka illegal business ang ginagawa nila kaya gusto nila magkaroon ng maraming  security. So isang order mo lang yan, ihinto niyo na yan wag nyo na bigyan ng maraming security," he added.

Dela Rosa and Pimentel then mentioned a complaint where Filipinos are allegedly being stopped to enter a public restroom when the "big boss" of these bodyguards are using the comfort room.

"In order to clear your organization, sabihan mo stop deploying security to these POGO operators para matapos na yang issue na yan habang mainit," Dela Rosa reiterated.

Abalos then ordered Azurin during the hearing to look into the incident mentioned by the senators and file cases if necessary.

"I'm directing our chief to look into this. Number one, kasuhan ang dapat kasuhan hindi puwede yung iihi yung foreigner, hindi pwedeng pumasok (ang iba). Ito nasa Pilipinas tayo, hindi puwede ito," he said.

"Kunin 'yung mga pangalan nito and of course, sanctions ibibigay natin disciplinary ones. Pangalawa, let's stop this practice. Sulatan mo lahat ng ito," he added.

In a chance interview with reporters, Abalos said this order is effective immediately.

Angara also told Abalos and the PNP to monitor the PSPG as they might not be given proper protocols.

Abalos assured the lawmakers that he will take action on this and he will present a report to the Senate.  — RSJ, GMA News