In Aurora, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. committed his administration to eradicating criminality, specifically targeting illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). He made this declaration during an event where he distributed presidential aid to farmers and fisherfolk in Pampanga.
“I am aware that you are deeply concerned about criminality and the illegal activities that are destroying the peace and order of your community. I want to let you know that we are focused on and addressing this problem,” Marcos stated.
He highlighted the creation of a task force by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to address illegal POGO activities and emphasized the Bureau of Customs’ ongoing cooperation with other agencies to prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country.
A POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga, is under investigation for alleged illegal activities linked to Chinese syndicates. Authorities have rescued over 150 foreigners, including Chinese, Malaysian, Burmese, and Vietnamese citizens, some of whom were victims of torture and kidnapping.
Continued searches at the POGO hub have uncovered alleged Chinese military uniforms, butcher knives, and packages suspected to contain shabu. Additionally, a POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac, used for illegal scam activities, was raided, and suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is being investigated for her potential involvement with POGO operations.
In pursuit of those behind the Bamban POGO, authorities have recently raided villas at a leisure park in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has recommended a total ban on POGO operations in the country, but President Marcos has not yet made a decision on the matter.
Marcos also reiterated the country’s commitment to combating illegal drugs, noting that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) continues its efforts to curb narcotics activities.
“Patuloy din po ang mga hakbangin ng PDEA upang masawata ang ilegal na droga,” Marcos added.