Teodoro warns illegal POGOs are national security threat

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned on Wednesday that criminal syndicates posing as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are a national security concern.

Teodoro emphasized the need to address these illegal activities which weaken the country's financial standing and corrupt society, stressing that legitimate POGOs operate differently from those involved in illicit activities.

The Department of National Defense is analyzing evidence from raids conducted against suspected illegal POGO hubs in Tarlac and Pampanga, where more than 800 individuals were rescued in March following allegations of crypto and love scams.

In the latest raid last week in Porac, Pampanga, authorities found alleged uniforms of Chinese military personnel, prompting an investigation by the Supreme Court into possible influence from Chinese syndicates.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission revealed that around 300 illegal POGOs are operating in the country, many of which have previously held licenses but chose not to renew them due to violations.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. is forming a task force to investigate the Tarlac raid and determine if proper permits were issued for the POGO hub.