PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group eyes joining POGO inspections

The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) on Monday proposed to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) that they include cops in inspections of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

In a press conference, PNP-ACG chief Police Brigadier General Sidney Hernia said the police group submitted their inputs to PAGCOR, which was now considering some changes in its policies on POGOs.

“Hopefully, we can institutionalize ‘yung presence ng PNP especially yung PNP-ACG dito sa mga monitoring and inspections na gagawin ng PAGCOR,” Hernia said.

(Hopefully, we can institutionalize the PNP's presence, especially the PNP-ACG, in the PAGCOR's monitoring and inspections.)

The police recently rescued around 3,000 Filipino and foreign workers while serving a search warrant on a Las Piñas City POGO firm allegedly involved in human trafficking and other illegal activities.

Authorities also discovered some foreign fugitives among the rescued workers.

Hernia added that the possible policy changes would help address the issues on POGOs as he lamented that many people were already getting affected due to multiple police operations.

“Makakatulong po ito para hindi na po tayo pupunta doon sa puro na lang police operations. Raid dito, raid doon. Ang daming naaapektuhan. Most likely, mas maganda na sa policy level na ang ating gagawin,” Hernia said.

(These policy changes would help so we no longer depend on numerous police operations. Raids come one right after another. So many people were getting affected. Most likely, it would be better if we acted on the policies.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News