Probe into Lapu-lapu ‘POGO’ operation: DILG assures transparency

CEBU, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. yesterday assured transparency in the ongoing investigation into the alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operation in Lapu-Lapu City, as he said his office has no disciplinary authority over local government unit officials on this matter.

Abalos said that while Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan is among those being investigated regarding the discovery of the POGO hub, he could not impose sanctions on him or any other LGU officials.

“Wala kaming disciplining authority ha..Para alam naman nila,” he said.

He added, though, that the Office of the Ombudsman can and it, too, has its own investigators.

“Syempre, we still need to investigate,” Abales said.

“Ang pagkakaiba kay Alice Guo, dalawa. Una, meron siyang pag-aari na share sa kumpanya. Pangalawa, nagbigay siya ng permit maski na hindi kumpleto ang requirements. Yun ang nangyari kay Alice Guo.

Kaya siya natanggal at perpetually disqualified from office. Tapos pina-file namin sa Ombudsman. Ang Ombudsman ang nag-file ng kaso sa kanya,” he added.

Chan and the others need not worry, though, if they are not part of the POGO operation, as he assured transparency in this matter.

“Importante din yung transparency na malaman ng mga tao. Pangit yung mga haka-haka…. Dyan nagsisimula yung distrust eh,” said Abalos, who is set to lead the grand launch of the revitalized” Pulis sa Barangay BIDA” program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Yesterday, Abalos identified Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) Chief Ali Abendan Baron, and PCol. Gervacio O. Balmaceda Jr. of Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 and PCol. Marlon R. Santos of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-7.

Abalos explained earlier that Baron was already transferred to PRO-7, which explains why it was labelled in his re-assignment that he is already with PRO-7.

Regardless of Baron’s transfer, Abalos stated that he was the chief of Lapu-Lapu City when the alleged POGO operation at the Tourist Garden Hotel in Barangay Agus occurred, which also led to his relief from PRO-7.

Based on the order from PNP Chief PGen Rommel Francisco Marbil, the three officials had been relived from their present assignment and are re-assigned to the PHAU, DPRM effective yesterday.

Abalos said there are still other PNP officers who are also being investigated, along with officials and employees of the Lapu-Lapu City Government.

He earlier also reminded the rest of the LGU officials of his memorandum circular issued last June of this year.

Under the said memo, Abalos reminded all city and municipal mayors, and all concerned local government officials of their duty and power to regulate businesses and enforce compliance with health, safety and building standards.

This followed reports of the proliferation of online gaming operations in various localities without the necessary government licenses. In addition to illegal gaming, these operations are reportedly involved in cyber-crimes such as online scams, digital fraud, and human trafficking.

All city and municipal mayors, through their business permits and licensing offices or other duly authorized offices, were also “directed make an inventory of all online gaming operations within their respective jurisdictions; monitor whether such operations have the appropriate government licenses and approvals”

They were likewise told to “conduct the appropriate regulatory inspections on such operations, in accordance with the legal purposes authorized under the Local Government Code and other applicable laws, to determine compliance with applicable regulations and the terms and conditions of local permits.”

Meanwhile, in an interview with The Freeman, Police Lt. Col. Christian Torres, LCPO spokesperson, confirmed that Baron, who has been serving since March 2024 will now report to their national headquarters in Camp Crame.

While waiting for the directive from PRO-7 or the national headquarters, Police Lt. Col Condrado Manatad, LCPO deputy city director for administration, will temporarily handle the city police.

“Tuloy lang gihapon, although wala tay gi-designate nga bag-o city director. naa may ikaduha ni CD, automatically siya maoy mo take-charge og walay pay gi-designate nga CD,” said Torres.

Aside from Baron, Balmaceda, and Santos, Police Major Judith Besas of LCPO Station 4, which has jurisdiction over Agus, was also relieved. She would be replaced by Police Major Christopher Castro.

The Police Lt. Col. Dindo Alaras, the chief of the City Intelligence Unit, will be replaced by Police Major Lean Rey A. Endozo.

Despite the relief of the city police director and other police officials, Torres assured that operations would continue smoothly, with the second-in-command temporarily taking charge of duties, while awaiting further appointments from higher authorities.

Torres said LCPO remains committed to fulfilling its duties to maintain peace and order in Lapu-Lapu City.

“Trabaho ra gihapon mi though gipang-relieve ang labaw,” he said. — (FREEMAN)