Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros expressed deep concern over the possible resurgence of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), warning that these groups have now evolved into new forms of scams, victimizing Filipinos domestically and abroad.
Hontiveros revealed that some POGOs have disguised themselves behind travel advertisements, luring victims into scams. “Kunong travel ads sa simula. Pero sa mag-signify ng interest, parang pa sa sign-in nila at i-recruit nila sa mga scam operations na pala,” she said in an ABS-CBN News report.
She added that 12 Filipino victims remain trapped in Myanmar, awaiting rescue, with at least one victim sexually assaulted by her Chinese supervisor. “Yung at least isa sa kanila, ni-rape ng Chinese boss nila. So yung gender dimension nito, kitang-kita pa rin natin nagpapatuloy ng matindi,” Hontiveros emphasized.
The senator also flagged reports of former POGO workers being transferred to casinos but forced to continue scam activities. Despite recent government actions, she said the efforts remain inadequate. “Bagamat pinagpapasalamat ko yung mga iyon, hindi pa rin ako satisfied… Dahil maganit talaga na bunutin yung weeds ng POGO na iyan at talagang itapon sa apoy,” she remarked.
She also highlighted the resurgence of scam text messages, a problem initially curbed after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration banning POGOs. “It’s really very worrying na totoo, dumadami na naman yung mga kababayan natin… nagre-reklamo na, whoa! May resurgence na naman ng mga scam texts and messages,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros called on the government to close loopholes in Executive Order 74, particularly provisions exempting online gaming within PAGCOR-operated casinos and licensed junket operations. “Wake-up call ito, serving of notice ito sa PAGCOR na huwag nilang papayagan itong mga reinvented POGOs makahanap ng espasyo,” she warned.
She further encouraged a potential total ban on online casinos, describing it as “a very good option to consider.”
Expressing frustration over delays in enforcing POGO restrictions, Hontiveros stressed accountability among government officials who enable such operations. “Hindi po mamamayagpag yung mga POGO na yan kung walang ganyang mga public officials na nagpo-protecta sa kanila,” she said.
Lastly, Hontiveros voiced suspicion about the alleged “self-deportation” of individuals involved in POGOs and raised concerns over possible espionage connections. “Nakakabahala at nakakagalit talaga. Ang kakapal talaga ng mga mukha,” she concluded.
