PNP admits operations vs. POGO strain its budget

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday admitted that its time and resources are being affected by the operations against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

The PNP made the statement at the Senate plenary deliberations on the agency’s P196.744 billion proposed 2024 budget, through Senate finance committee chairman Sonny Angara—the sponsor of its spending plan.

It was Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III who inquired about the amount that the PNP devoted to monitor and maintain peace and order in POGO areas.

“Di natin made-deny na (we cannot deny that) some of our resources are diverted for the maintenance of law and order in areas where the POGOs are located and maybe, also to solve the crimes perpetrated by POGO-linked individuals,” Pimentel said.

While Angara did not give a specific amount, the senator said it affects the budget of the police force.

“It’s a strain in resources especially when they are conducting operations at huhulihin po nila (and they will arrest the involved individuals). ‘Yung malaking expense daw po ‘yung pakain doon po sa kanila (the biggest expenses incurred are for the food for arrested individuals) and sometimes, there is an overlap of jurisdiction with the BI, Bureau of Immigration, as to who will spend for what,” Angara, citing the answers from the PNP, said.

“They have to devote time and resources, as you mentioned, your honor,” he added.

In October, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said detaining illegal POGO workers  has proven to be a logistical nightmare.

Remulla said the Department of Justice,  the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies lacked the resources to deal with arresting and detaining a large number of suspects. 

Feeding detainees cost the government P70 per person per day, Remulla said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News