PNP creates task force to combat illegal IGLs, scam farms

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PNP creates task force to combat illegal IGLs, scam farms

Izzy Lee,

ABS-CBN News

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A special task force was created to dismantle illegal activities related to Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Saturday.

The special task force, named SKIMMER, will combat illegal IGL activities through intelligence gathering, coordinated law enforcement operations, and legal action, the PNP said. 

The taskforce will be headed by the PNP Deputy Chief for Operations (TDCO) Police Lt. Gen. Michael Dubria.

 "We created the special task force just for us to collaborate with other agencies...Ang trabaho nila is for PNP to coordinate with other agencies..to really address yung problema," said PNP chief PGen. Rommel Marbil.

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 (We created a special taskforce for us to collaborate with other agencies... Their job is for the PNP to coordinate with other agencies to really address the problem.)

 According to the PNP, IGLs replaced Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) due to numerous issues and scandals. 

Despite regulations by PAGCOR, illegal IGL operations persist, posing significant challenges to law enforcement and regulatory bodies.

From January 1, 2019, to July 15, 2024, the PNP recorded 136 IGL-related incidents, with kidnapping for ransom being the most prevalent, followed by anti-trafficking in persons, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, violations of the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998, and many other crimes.

According to PAGCOR, there are currently 44 licensed IGLs in the Philippines.

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DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos, the number has been reduced.

"'Yung nawalang 200...'yan ang naging tinatawag nating scam farms, bumunga ng illegal activities at kumalat," Abalos said.

(The 200... that's what we call scam farms, which resulted in illegal activities and spread.)

The DILG also highlighted the authority of local government units (LGUs) to conduct inspections, investigations, issue business permits, and supervise, examine, and regulate private commercial establishments for any violations of conditions pursuant to law or ordinance.

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