Gatchalian urges NSC to classify POGOs as national security threat
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian asked the National Security Council (NSC) to classify Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) as a national security threat.
The NSC, however, believes that POGOs have not yet reached the level of danger required for such classification and does not consider them a current national security threat.
NSC Assistant Director General Jude Lauengco told a Senate panel on Tuesday that they do not see territorial integrity, sovereignty, social cohesiveness, or political stability being compromised by POGOs at this time.
Lauengco acknowledged serious criminal activities linked to some POGO facilities but argued that these issues are effectively managed by law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
Gatchalian urged the NSC not to wait for more severe consequences before taking action on the issue, emphasizing that all red flags already point towards a national security threat.
The senator highlighted alleged criminal syndicates operating in the country, the discovery of Chinese military uniforms, and the arrest of a hacking expert connected with POGOs as evidence supporting his stance.
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