SURIGAO DEL NORTE — Representative Robert Ace Barbers from Surigao del Norte's 2nd District urged the public on Wednesday to assist authorities in identifying and deporting foreign workers from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) who are now in hiding following a government crackdown. This call for civic vigilance comes in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent directive to ban all POGOs in the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, members of the public can play a crucial role by using social media or direct communication with local government and law enforcement agencies to report hidden POGO activities. Barbers highlighted the ongoing investigation into POGOs and their links to illegal drug activities involving Chinese nationals, noting that many involved have chosen to remain in the Philippines to avoid prosecution in their home countries. He described how some Chinese nationals have used POGOs as a facade for engaging in a wide array of crimes, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
Barbers emphasized that while the banning of POGOs is a strong move by the Marcos administration, its success depends heavily on community cooperation to prevent these operations from continuing underground. He called on Filipinos to reject any attempts by POGOs to bribe local officials and to help expose those who enable these illegal activities. Furthermore, he encouraged all POGO workers, both legal and illegal, to surrender to the Bureau of Immigration for proper processing and repatriation.
This push for public involvement supports the President's policy to eradicate POGO-related crime and corruption as part of broader efforts to ensure national security and uphold public morality.