DOJ chief cites reported involvement of law enforcers in Pogo-linked crimes

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla (FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said they have been receiving information about the involvement of law enforcement personnel in illegal activities linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

“Merong syndicated criminal activities na nangyayari [There are syndicated criminal activities happening] within these POGO communities. Maraming ilegal [Many of these activities are illegal] and the latest, I think kidnapping and kidnapping for ransom, which is heinous in this country, which is taken lightly by these people,” Remulla told reporters

“They seem to act as if they have protection…yung isang report na nakuha namin [one of the reports that we have received] is about involvement of law enforcement personnel]…several uniformed men have been spotted to be moonlighting for them,” he added.

Remulla said they already asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to help them in looking into these alleged illegal activities linked to POGOs.

“We want to deal with this properly,” he said.

Last month, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) discovered torture den inside a POGO hub in Pasay City.

The hub was raided for its involvement in illegal operations such as love and crypto scams. Authorities discovered torture devices and sex toys.

Over 700 victims of human trafficking, both Filipinos and foreigners were rescued.

INQUIRER.net tried to get the side of the PNP, which has yet to respond as of posting time.