POGO ops, favored
By Nidz Godino
“Gusto ko sir ipagpatuloy kasi siyempre makakatulong sa bansa natin…maraming trabaho…nung nakausap ko ang mga POGO na ‘yan maraming mga Pilipino, sir, na nakikinabang, na kinukuha silang empleyado rin ng POGO,” the chief of the police in Metro Manila is in favor of continued operations of offshore gaming in the Philippines for potential revenues and job opportunities. According to Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, said there were many Filipinos employed by POGOs. “Since may revenue, of course, ‘pag may business, asahan natin mayroon ding krimen,” Estomo said at the Senate joint committee hearing on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
POGOs hit headlines recently over reported series of crimes such as the abduction of foreigners who work for offshore online gaming firms.
Estomo said reports on series of kidnappings seemed “sabotage.”
“Nagkataon lang yun nagsabay-sabay… ‘yung iba don, nangyari ng July. ..di naman talaga current ‘yon sir…sinabay sabay lang yon para ma-alarma ang taumbayan pero sa totoo lang, sa akin, parang sabotahe ang dating e, may nananabotahe. Kaya sa tingin ko naman, we can handle, hindi lang kidnapping, kahit anong krimen sa metro Manila ” Estomo stressed.
Since Senate conducted probe into spate of kidnappings in September, Estomo said there had been no POGO-related crimes recorded by NCRPO.
He said police increased their visibility, particularly at the Entertainment City in Paranaque. The NCRPO also added more outposts in the area.
Estomo said the police met with their counterparts in the Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to tackle steps that they should take if kidnappings would continue.
Police Brigadier General Cesar Pasiwen, director of the Police Regional Office III, said police in Central Luzon had not received POGO-related cases since last hearing.
Police Brigadier General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., director of Police Regional Office IV-A, said there were no new cases of POGO-related kidnappings in Southern Tagalog since the last Senate hearing.
He said there was a case in Bacoor City, Cavite where supposed POGO employee was said to have been illegally detained but has been eventually released.
Finance Assistant Secretary Valery Joy Brion said Department of Finance was “firm” with its position against POGOs even if there was no reported crime related to its operations.
The Bureau of Immigration said domestic laws should be strictly followed by POGOs and entities that are compliant with immigration laws deserve services of the agency.
“On the other hand, POGO entities who violate immigration laws should be penalized, sanctioned, deported and blacklisted,” BI Deputy Commissioner Fortunato Manahan Jr. said.
The National Bureau of Investigation vowed to do its best in enforcing laws against illegal POGOs and crimes related to the online gambling operations.
“While we have very limited resources in terms of our manpower, personnel, we have been up to the job in going after illegal POGO operations. We will do our very best as an agency to go after illegal POGO operations,” NBI Director Medardo De Lemos said.
ISKUP! 