Two commandos from the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were found to be working illegally as security escorts for a Chinese executive of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
The two agents are now under restrictive custody while facing alarm and scandal charges, reports the Philippine News Agency.
Cpl. George Mabuti and Pat. Roger Valdez were released from the Muntinlupa City Police Station following an order from the Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office, allowing them to submit a counter affidavit to deny the charges.
The two commandos were arrested on May 18th inside Ayala-Alabang Village after a fistfight revealed their unauthorized role as security escorts for a POGO Chinese executive.
Along with them, seven other officers, including their battalion commander, company commander, and platoon leader, face administrative charges for grave irregularity in the performance of duty.
These officers are also under restrictive custody pending investigation.
POGOs are being scrutinized and again in hot waters due to the recent case of the “POGO Mayor” Alice Guo, with accusations of criminality being voiced by a Senator.
Following a Senate hearing, representative Risa Hontiveros has voiced allegations linking Bamban, Tarlac, Mayor Alice Guo to criminal activities, pointing to what she calls numerous red flags regarding her background.
Also recently, the Philippine Senator Sherwin Gathchalian, a strong opponent of offshore gaming operators in the country, claims that no background checks are being conducted on individuals who set up offshore gaming operators (IGLs, formerly known as POGOs) or their employees. The Senator indicated that “the minimum requirement for PAGCOR is just capitalization […] if you’re incorporated, you fulfill the minimum qualification”.
