Some rescued POGO workers attend House hearing on illegal POGOs

UNTV News and Rescue

17 Jul 202404:07

Summary

TLDRThe Philippine House of Representatives has initiated an inquiry into the proliferation of illegal POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), which are linked to severe crimes including human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and money laundering. Testimonies from rescued workers and the exposure of 42 illegal operations, predominantly in Metro Manila, highlight the urgent need for regulation. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is implementing measures to combat these issues, and government agencies are unified in their support for potential bans or stricter regulations, prioritizing the eradication of human trafficking and the protection of workers' rights.

Takeaways

🏛️ The House of Representatives has initiated an inquiry into legislation and crimes related to illegal POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators).
📹 Disturbing videos of torture were shown during the hearing, highlighting the severity of the situation.
👥 Several rescued POGO workers from China, Malaysia, and Vietnam testified about their experiences of physical abuse and torture.
📊 According to PAGCOR, there are 42 illegal POGOs in the Philippines, predominantly in Metro Manila.
📋 The list of illegal POGOs has been submitted to the Joint House Committees and the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
🛡️ PAGCOR is implementing measures to regulate offshore gaming, including 24/7 monitoring, dismantling hubs, and imposing higher fines.
🏢 The Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (PADORE) supports the decisions of the President and Congress regarding POGOs, including potential bans.
🚨 Government agencies have expressed support for cracking down on illegal POGOs, with a directive from the Executive Secretary to eradicate human trafficking.
🤝 The Department of Justice (DOJ) commits to aggressive action against POGOs involved in criminal activities, in coordination with law enforcement.
🛑 The House of Representatives aims to curb illegal activities and ensure regulations are effectively enforced, addressing human rights violations and crimes.
🏢 Local government agencies are urged to strictly observe regulations on internet gaming operations to prevent further issues.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the House of Representatives' inquiry into illegal POGOs?
-The inquiry aims to address legislation and crimes connected to illegal POGOs, including human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, online scams, money laundering, murder, and other serious offenses.
What evidence was presented during the hearing on the illegal POGOs?
-During the hearing, videos of torture with covered faces were played, and several rescued POGO workers from China, Malaysia, and Vietnam attended to share their experiences of physical abuse and torture.
How many illegal POGOs are there in the Philippines according to PAGCOR?
-According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), there are 42 illegal POGOs in the country, with most of them located in Metro Manila.
What measures is PAGCOR implementing to regulate offshore gaming in the Philippines?
-PAGCOR is implementing measures such as 24/7 monitoring of operation sites, dismantling of POGO hubs, imposition of higher fines and penalties, and strengthened cooperation with law enforcement agencies and other government agencies.
What is the position of the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on the issue of illegal POGOs?
-PAOCC agrees to share the list of illegal POGOs with the public and is working in coordination with other government agencies to address the issue.
How does the Presidential Administration view the potential banning of POGOs?
-The Presidential Administration, represented by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will support the decision of Congress on POGOs, including the possible banning if a law is passed and the president orders the closure of the industry.
What directive has been given by the Executive Secretary Lucas Pamin regarding human trafficking?
-Executive Secretary Lucas Pamin has given a clear and urgent directive to eradicate human trafficking in the country and ensure the rescue of all victims.
What is the Department of Justice's (DOJ) stance on the issue of illegal POGOs?
-The DOJ commits to continue taking aggressive action against POGOs engaged in criminal activity, in coordination with law enforcement partners, regardless of whether there is an outright ban or maintenance of the status quo.
What is the House of Representatives' goal in addressing the issue of illegal POGOs?
-The House aims to curb illegal activities and ensure regulations are effectively enforced, highlighting the heinous crimes and serious human rights violations affecting both citizens and foreign workers.
What is the role of local government agencies in regulating internet gaming operations?
-Lawmakers are appealing to local government agencies to ensure that regulations on internet gaming operations are strictly observed to prevent illegal activities.
What collective action is being taken by government agencies to address the problems arising from POGO operations?
-Certain government agencies are taking collective actions, with joint meetings to identify which agency has the major role in going after illegal POGO operators and to address the issues arising from their operations.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ Inquiry into Illegal POGOs and Related Crimes

The House of Representatives has initiated an inquiry into the operations of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which are linked to a range of serious crimes including human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, online scams, money laundering, and murder. During the hearing, videos of torture were shown, and rescued workers from China, Malaysia, and Vietnam testified about their experiences of physical abuse. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported 42 illegal POGOs in the country, mainly in Metro Manila, and has submitted a list to the Joint House committees and the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). Measures to regulate offshore gaming include 24/7 monitoring, dismantling of hubs, imposing higher fines, and strengthened cooperation with law enforcement. The government expresses support for potential POGO bans or regulation changes, emphasizing the need to eradicate human trafficking and protect victims.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is a legislative body in many countries, including the Philippines, where it is part of the bicameral legislature. In the context of the video, it is conducting an inquiry into various crimes related to illegal POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators). The House plays a crucial role in the legislative process and is responsible for initiating or reviewing laws, which is evident in its active engagement in addressing the issues surrounding POGOs.

💡Moto inquiry

A 'Moto inquiry' is a term used to describe an investigation initiated by a legislative body to gather information and evidence on a particular matter. In the video, the House of Representatives has started a Moto inquiry to look into the crimes associated with illegal POGOs. This inquiry is significant as it aims to understand the extent of the problem and to formulate appropriate legislative responses.

💡Illegal POGOs

Illegal POGOs refer to offshore gaming operations that are not licensed or are operating outside the regulations set by the Philippine government. The video script highlights the connection between these illegal operations and serious crimes such as human trafficking, kidnapping, and torture. The term is central to the video's theme as it represents the main subject of the legislative inquiry.

💡Human trafficking

Human trafficking is a grave crime involving the illegal trade of people for exploitation or forced labor. In the video, it is mentioned as one of the crimes connected to illegal POGOs, indicating that workers are being lured and forced to work under inhumane conditions. This keyword is a critical element of the video's narrative, emphasizing the human rights abuses associated with the POGO industry.

💡Torture

Torture is the act of inflicting severe physical or psychological pain on someone, often as a form of punishment or coercion. The script includes testimony from victims who were tortured, highlighting the brutal conditions they endured. This keyword is used to underscore the severity of the crimes committed by illegal POGOs and the urgent need for legislative action.

💡Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)

PAGCOR is a government-owned and controlled corporation in the Philippines that regulates and operates various forms of gambling. In the video, it is mentioned as the entity that has identified 42 illegal POGOs in the country. The role of PAGCOR is pivotal in the regulation and oversight of the gaming industry, making it a key concept in the video's discussion on illegal operations.

💡Organized crime

Organized crime refers to criminal activities conducted by structured groups with a centralized command. The video script mentions the Philippine anti-organized crime commission (PAOK), which is involved in combating crimes associated with illegal POGOs. The term is relevant to the video's theme as it highlights the organized nature of the criminal activities surrounding POGOs.

💡Regulation

Regulation in this context refers to the rules and policies established by the government to govern and control certain activities, such as offshore gaming. The video discusses measures being implemented by PAGCOR to regulate offshore gaming, including monitoring and penalties. This keyword is central to the video's theme as it relates to the government's efforts to control and prevent illegal activities.

💡Law enforcement

Law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public order. The script mentions strengthened cooperation with law enforcement agencies as part of the measures to combat illegal POGOs. This keyword is important as it illustrates the collaborative efforts needed to address the criminal activities associated with POGOs.

💡President Ferdinand Marcus Jr

President Ferdinand Marcus Jr is the current President of the Philippines, mentioned in the video as someone whose decisions on POGOs will be supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The President's role is significant as he has the power to enact or veto legislation, which directly impacts the future of the POGO industry.

💡Human rights violations

Human rights violations refer to actions that contravene the fundamental rights of individuals, as protected by international and national laws. The video script describes the cruel and inhumane conditions under which foreign workers are forced to work in illegal POGOs, representing a clear violation of their human rights. This keyword is integral to the video's message, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications of the issue at hand.

Highlights

The House of Representatives has started a Moto inquiry into legislation and crimes related to illegal POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), including human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, online scams, money laundering, murder, and more.

During the hearing, videos of torture with covered faces were played, and several rescued POGO workers from China, Malaysia, and Vietnam attended, testifying to physical abuse and torture they experienced.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported 42 illegal POGOs in the country, mostly in Metro Manila, with the list submitted to the Joint House committees and the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

PAGCOR is implementing measures to regulate offshore gaming, such as 24/7 monitoring, dismantling POGO hubs, imposing higher fines, and strengthening cooperation with law enforcement and government agencies.

PAOCC agrees to share the list of illegal POGOs with the public and supports the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Congress on POGOs, including a possible ban if a law is passed.

The Executive Secretary Lucas Pamin issued a clear and urgent directive to eradicate human trafficking and ensure the rescue of all victims.

Government agencies expressed support for pursuing illegal POGOs, with the Department of Justice committing to take aggressive action against POGOs engaged in criminal activity.

The House of Representatives aims to curb illegal activities and ensure regulations are effectively enforced, highlighting the heinous crimes and serious human rights violations affecting both citizens and foreign workers.

Lawmakers appeal to local government agencies to strictly observe regulations on internet gaming operations to prevent illegal POGO activities.

The transcript emphasizes the collective actions of certain government agencies to address the issues arising from POGO operations.

The inquiry seeks to identify the government agency with the major role in going after illegal POGO operators.

The transcript reveals the inhumane conditions under which foreign workers are forced to work at illegal POGOs.

The government acknowledges the negative perspective from the justice and law enforcement sector and defers to PAGCOR and other relevant agencies for benefits assessment.

The Department of Justice commits to continue aggressive action against POGOs involved in criminal activity, in coordination with law enforcement partners.

The transcript underscores the importance of weighing the benefits, dangers, and costs of POGO operations by Congress.

The government's perspective is on the negative side due to the involvement in justice and law enforcement sectors.

The transcript concludes with a statement of service to the people and giving glory to God.