Updated:2024-10-23 03:54 Views:107
POGO COMPOUND Photo shows the compound supposed to have been used for Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in Porac, Pampanga. —Grig C. Montegrande
MANILA, Philippines — The government plans to repurpose the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hubs once forfeited in favor of the government, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said on Thursday.
According to PAOCC executive director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, they will collaborate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), now led by former Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to explore options in converting Pogo hubs into facilities, such as schools and government offices.
Article continues after this advertisementCruz explained that the raided Pogo hubs are now subject to civil and criminal forfeiture proceedings and will eventually be turned over to the government.
FEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION She thought her baby’s sweet scent was a blessing; it’s a deadly illness GLOBALNATION US missile deployment to PH important for combat readiness – US general GLOBALNATION House to SolGen: File raps to seize land from ChineseREAD: PAOCC finds an illegal Pogo still operating near Senate
Benefits to communitiesThe forfeiture process is in accordance with Republic Act No. 1379, which mandates the forfeiture in favor of the state of unlawfully acquired property by public officers or employees.
Article continues after this advertisementThe ownership of the Pogo hub in Bamban, Tarlac, for instance, has been linked to the town’s dismissed mayor, Alice Guo.
Article continues after this advertisementCruz earlier said that the seized Pogo hubs, rather than leaving them vacant or auctioning them off, can benefit the public by repurposing them.
Article continues after this advertisementHe added that it would also be beneficial for communities if the government took ownership of the raided Pogo hubs and converted them into schools, particularly those located in Porac town in Pampanga and in Bamban, Tarlac.
Cruz cited the raided Pogo hub in Pasay City as an example of how the government has successfully repurposed Pogo facilities.
Article continues after this advertisementAuthorities raided the Pogo facility a year ago following reports of illegal activities, including sex trafficking as well as love and crypto scams.
Upon inspection of the location, authorities discovered about 80 rooms that were allegedly used for sexual acts involving trafficked persons, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino women.
Rescue centerJustice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said then that the establishment was a “self-contained” community for patrons as it had an entertainment center, KTVs, canteens, barber shops, restaurants, and dubious spa “services.”
The six-story building on Williams Street in Pasay City was converted this year into a detention facility and rescue center by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Pasay City government.
It serves as a transient shelter for homeless families and individuals before they return to their respective provinces.
The processing center facilities include a child-friendly space, a medical clinic, and a processing area where social workers can conduct intake procedures, profiling, interviews, and assessment.
President Marcos issued a directive banning Pogos in the country during his third State of the Nation Address in July.
As a result, Pogo workers are applying for visa downgrades since they are obliged to leave the country by the end of the year.
More than 10,000 Pogo workers have already applied for the downgrading, according to the Bureau of Immigration.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
While the state regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. lists only 38 licensed internet gaming licenseeswjpeso, the new name for Pogo, authorities are still pursuing hundreds of illegal Pogo operations nationwide.
READ NEXT ‘Silence on violations diminishes Asean’ 38 Chinese nabbed in another suspected Pogo hub in Cebu EDITORS' PICK Heart Evangelista: Woman to woman, I never had a problem with Pia Wurtzbach NBA: Nuggets give Aaron Gordon 4-year, $133M extension INQside Look with senatorial aspirant Tito Sotto Liam Payne had cocaine in his system when he died, says official Garcia restores original Sinulog theme for 2025, drops Rama’s plan LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine MOST READ DILG identifies 38 hotspots ahead of 2025 polls LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine AFP reprimands cadet who asked for Marcos wrist watch Marcos smiled, walked away when asked about VP Duterte's accusation View comments