DICT chief says not surprised with former POGO workers becoming online scammers

MANILA -- Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda wasn't surprised by Philippine National Police information revealing that most Filipino online scammers used to work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

In a report, the PNP-ACG said most online scammers learned from working in POGOs.

"I would not be surprised kasi yung ibang natanggal, nawala POGO diba. Nag divert sila to other ventures such as financial crimes and hacking. I would not be surprised by that statement by the PNP," Aguda said.

(I would not be surprised since POGO stopped operations, so those who lost their jobs diverted to other ventures such as financial crimes and hacking.)

The DICT chief said the agency has several initiatives to train the police body to combat scams.

"We're collaborating closely with the PNP technology team on three things. One on the digital infrastructure, second sa upskilling and training, and third, any assistance we can give them on their ISSP," Aguda said.

"On the cyber training, we are expanding their cyber training in certification to as many as 230,000 PNP officials," he added.

Meanwhile, the PNP is also collaborating with other stakeholders by supporting various efforts to fight scams, such as the Scam Vault PH initiated by Scam Watch Pilipinas.