Some rescued POGO workers attend House hearing on illegal POGOs

Summary

The 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.