PNP chief warns police vs. protecting illegal POGOs

Philippine National Police chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil warned cops they will face disciplinary actions if found protecting illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

"Integrity and accountability are the cornerstones of our public service. We remain committed to ensuring that our officers uphold these values," Marbil said in a statement released on Sunday.

"This policy serves as a reminder: engage in illegal activities, and you will be dealt with accordingly," he added.

The PNP intensified its efforts against illegal POGOs which resulted in several successful operations.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) have led efforts to dismantle multiple illegal POGO operations in the country, the PNP said.

As a result, arrests were made and illicit equipment were confiscated.

In a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, police and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission found items used for torture, and some devices used for cloning SIM cards and for sending out text blasts.

Six Chinese POGO workers meanwhile who were earlier raided in a scam hub in Bamban, Tarlac were found to be fugitives facing charges in their country. The Chinese had warrants of arrest for fraud, operating gambling dens and other crimes.

Marbil commended the CIDG and ACG for their work, saying, "Their strategic planning and effective execution have safeguarded the public and demonstrated the PNP's capability to tackle complex criminal networks."

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos reaffirmed backing PNP's initiatives, emphasizing the importance of integrity and accountability in law enforcement.

Marbil then assured the public of the PNP's commitment to maintain public order. —KG, GMA Integrated News