Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised concerns over the alleged exploitation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations as a smokescreen for human trafficking syndicates, following a Senate panel’s inspection of a POGO firm in Bamban, Tarlac, amidst reports of human trafficking and serious illegal detention.
The Senate investigation revealed alarming findings, with the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission disclosing the discovery of six Chinese fugitives within the premises of Zun Yuan Technology, Inc., allegedly engaged in love scams and cryptocurrency investment fraud.
In a statement, Senator Hontiveros expressed dismay over the infiltration of scamming syndicates into the POGO industry, labeling POGOs as “hotspots of fugitives” and questioning the difficulty in completely expelling such operations from the country. She emphasized the need to scrutinize the role of potential protectors and the challenges faced by the government in addressing the issue.
Highlighting the similarities between the raided POGO hub and previously uncovered scam facilities, Senator Hontiveros underscored the utilization of POGOs as legal cover for criminal activities, pointing to the presence of equipment and materials used in perpetrating fraudulent schemes.
The senator further criticized the promotion of gambling through POGO operations, emphasizing its adverse impact on society and advocating for stricter measures against their proliferation.
In response to the alarming findings, Senator Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution No. 1001, seeking an investigation into the national security implications of foreigners using falsified documents to pose as Filipino citizens. The resolution aims to address the abuse of immigration processes, particularly the Visa Upon Arrival scheme, by Chinese POGO workers.
Moreover, the resolution underscores the need for heightened vigilance, especially in areas critical to national defense, amid reports of an influx of foreigners with questionable entry credentials, particularly in Cagayan.
Senator Hontiveros emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the potential link between the reported influx of foreigners and China’s heightened aggression in the West Philippine Sea. She stressed the necessity of investigating any correlation between these trends and instances of foreign individuals abusing Philippine immigration processes.
The Senate inquiry underscores the government’s commitment to upholding national security and combating illicit activities, particularly within the context of POGO operations and potential threats to the country’s sovereignty and integrity.