Philippine Police Boost Security Amid POGO Probe as Senate Asserts Independence

In the midst of POGO probe threats, police in the Philippines have ramped up security while the Senate reinforces its legislative independence. Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has fueled further controversy by suggesting that Philippine Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian should focus on national issues rather than her case. Senate President Francis Escudero firmly responded, stating that Guo has no authority to dictate Senate priorities, especially when she is under investigation for involvement in illegal Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) activities.

Escudero stressed that while Guo has the right to defend herself, the Senate must fulfill its duty to the public by conducting investigations. Facing a Senate arrest warrant, Guo criticized the senators for concentrating on her instead of more pressing issues such as national security and poverty. Escudero countered by emphasizing the Senate’s responsibility to address matters affecting the public, noting that Guo cannot select the forums she wishes to attend.

The Senate inquiry into illegal POGOs has linked Guo to operations in Tarlac, where a raid by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) revealed human trafficking law violations. Escudero reiterated that the Senate warrant ensures Guo’s participation in future inquiries, not her punishment, and noted the legal principle that evading inquiries could indicate guilt.

At the same time, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured Senator Gatchalian of protection following death threats related to his involvement in the POGO investigation. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed that the Anti-Cybercrime Group is working with Gatchalian to trace the threats’ origins, highlighting the dangers faced by public officials combating illegal activities.

Gatchalian, along with Hontiveros, has been actively investigating Guo’s connections to Zun Yuan Technology Inc. (ZYTI), an illegal POGO company operating in Tarlac. Despite receiving threats, Gatchalian continues his efforts, backed by local police and the PNP. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, also a target of threats, remains focused on the crackdown against illegal POGOs, underlining the perilous environment surrounding these investigations.

By fLEXI tEAM