Gatchalian wants higher intel fund for PNP vs POGOs

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for an increased intelligence fund for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enhance operations against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Gatchalian highlighted that POGOs are circumventing the government's ban by rebranding and engaging in criminal activities, citing a report of 5,800 victims of POGO-related crimes as of May this year.

He noted a significant decrease in the PNP's intelligence fund, from P1.356 billion in 2023 to P908.025 million this year, which he believes hinders their efforts.

While the Senate proposed a P100-million increase for the PNP's intelligence fund in 2025, Gatchalian advocates for more substantial support to effectively combat POGOs involved in kidnapping, human trafficking, and online scams.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered the outlawing of POGO operations by the end of the year, emphasizing the need for intensified law enforcement actions.

The investigation into POGO-related crimes has also focused on dismissed Mayor Alice Guo, who claims to be a victim of a larger global syndicate behind these operations.