Marcos vows whole-of-gov't approach vs POGOS, drugs

President Marcos vowed on Friday a whole-of-government approach in the crackdown on illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and narcotics in the country.

- HELEN FLORES

Marcos made the remarks amid mounting calls to ban POGOs due to their supposed links to illegal activities.

“I also know that you are very (concerned) with criminality and illegal activities that destroy the peace in your community. I want you to know that we are paying attention to this and addressing this problem,” Marcos said during the distribution of assistance to El Niño-hit farmers and fisherfolk in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

He said the Department of the Interior and Local Government has created a task force to address illegal POGOs.

POGOs have been tied to unlawful activities including human trafficking, money laundering, tax evasion, prostitution, kidnapping, torture and bribery.

Last month, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) raided a POGO facility in Porac, Pampanga.