By JEN BAYLON

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) clarified that there is no presence of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the city, dispelling rumors and concerns from residents and local business owners.

BCPO administrative officer Colonel Ronnie Brillo said they received a directive from the Philippine National Police headquarters regarding POGO operations, but there is no evidence of any illegal gambling activities in the city.

This comes after concerns and rumors have been circulating among residents and entrepreneurs about alleged POGO operations in Bacolod.

BCPO has assured residents that they will continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the community.

Meanwhile, BCPO director Police Colonel Noel Aliño said the city police have been conducting crackdowns against bookies and small town lottery operations while ensuring that all gambling activities in the city are legal and compliant with regulations.

Earlier, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. said local government units (LGUs) must ensure that only those business establishments that do legitimate operations will be given business permits.

This came after a raid was recently conducted on an illegal POGO hub in Pampanga province’s Porac town, allegedly operating as a scam farm.

Abalos said LGUs must scrutinize the documents of establishments while applying for permits.

The Bureau of Immigration said a POGO hub in Tarlac province’s Bamban town, raided on March 14, was allegedly involved in “scamming activities.”

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) also encouraged LGUs to report any suspected illegal POGO hubs and scam farms in their localities.

Local officials who believe that an establishment is engaged in suspicious and illegal activities must coordinate with the authorities, the PAOCC said. / With reports from PNA / JB, WDJ