The Philippine National Police (PNP) has not monitored any Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Western Visayas.

However, the public is encouraged to immediately report to the police should they monitor activities and individuals involved in illegal operations, Lt. Colonel Arnel Solis, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), said on Tuesday, June 25.

“It is part of the task of our intelligence operatives and units to monitor and determine if illegal activities are happening in an area,” he said in an interview.

He added that the cybercrime operations of the 17 Chinese nationals busted by the Iloilo City Police Office in November last year were not POGO-related.

“In case of violations, our police officers are ready to operate. Not only Police Regional Office-6 but, of course, our national support units like the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group [CIDG] and the Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit are there to help us when needed,” he said.

Solis said at all times, the support of the public is significant, since there are areas where there are no law enforcement officers.

He said they can report to the nearest police stations, which are accessible through their hotlines and social media accounts.

In contrast, PRO in Central Luzon chief Brigadier General Jose Hidalgo, Jr. is under investigation for his accountability over illegal POGOs in his area of jurisdiction, PNP chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said on Monday, June 24.

On June 5, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the CIDG raided Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga, which resulted in the arrest of 186 foreign and Filipino workers. (PNA)