The recent high-profile abduction of a 14-year-old Chinese student in Manila has intensified calls for Congress to pass pending legislation that would permanently ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter measures to prevent the re-emergence of these operators, which have been linked to a surge in criminal activities.

Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., one of the co-chairmen of the quad-committee in the House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of passing legislation to ensure the ban on POGOs remains in place. “The President made the right decision in declaring a ban on POGOs, but we must ensure that this policy cannot be easily reversed by future administrations,” Abante said in a statement on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Abante, a longtime anti-gambling advocate and principal author of House Bill No. 10987, or the Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act, pointed to the latest reports of kidnappings linked to the industry as further proof that POGOs are a breeding ground for criminal syndicates. “The latest kidnapping case is just another example of how POGOs go hand in hand with organized crime in our country. From human trafficking to financial fraud, prostitution rings to drug-related offenses—this industry has done nothing but harm our people,” he said.

The Manila solon cited findings from law enforcement agencies that showed a direct link between POGOs and a wave of violent crimes, including the case of the 14-year-old foreigner. The kidnappers, a group of former POGO operators and their hired security personnel, brutally murdered the victim’s driver, severed the student’s fingertip, and demanded ransom before ultimately abandoning the child after being pursued by authorities.

“This is not an isolated case.”

The DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) has confirmed that every single kidnapping incident recorded this year involved foreigners linked to POGO operations. We cannot allow this cycle of crime to continue.

— Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr.

Abante said that the quad-comm hearings last year “have made it clear that POGOs are not just an economic issue, they are a peace and order issue.” “This is not about regulation, because evidence already proves that POGOs are ungovernable. POGO regulation is impossible; they are inherently criminal and must be eliminated,” he said.

To put this into perspective, consider the parallels with the opioid crisis in the United States. Just as the opioid epidemic has been fueled by unregulated and often illegal activities, the presence of POGOs in the Philippines has led to a similar surge in criminal activities. The economic benefits, if any, are overshadowed by the social and security costs, much like the debate around legalizing gambling in states like Nevada and New Jersey.

Critics of the proposed ban argue that POGOs contribute significantly to the Philippine economy, providing jobs and generating revenue. However, Abante counters this by pointing out the long-term costs associated with crime and social unrest. “If we are serious about public safety and national security, we must shut POGOs out for good. We have the opportunity to do what is right, so let’s do it and close our doors to POGOs once and for all,” he underscored.

Recent developments in the Philippines have shown a growing consensus among lawmakers and the public that POGOs are a liability rather than an asset. The government’s efforts to curb illegal activities associated with POGOs have been met with resistance from operators who argue that stricter regulations would suffice. However, Abante’s stance remains firm: “This is not about regulation, because evidence already proves that POGOs are ungovernable. POGO regulation is impossible; they are inherently criminal and must be eliminated.”

In conclusion, the recent abduction case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by POGOs. The call for a permanent ban is not just about preventing future crimes but also about safeguarding the nation’s integrity and security. As the debate continues, it is clear that the Philippines is at a critical juncture, and the decisions made today will shape its future for years to come.