Senator Risa Hontiveros Raises Concerns Over Possible Link Between POGOs and Government Website Hacking
Senator Risa Hontiveros has recently expressed alarm over the potential connection between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the hacking of several government websites. The senator’s concerns stem from the discovery of widescale scam operations during a raid at the Baofu compound, a POGO facility located in Bamban, Tarlac, on April 24.
During a statement, Senator Hontiveros revealed, “I was very disturbed to hear that there is persuasive information from the intelligence community stating that this Bamban complex is being used for surveillance activities.” She further added, “And some reported high-profile cases of hacking of our own government websites are traceable to this complex.”
As the chairman of the Committee on Women and Children, Senator Hontiveros invited Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to a Senate inquiry to address allegations linking her to illegal POGO activities. Mayor Guo denied any involvement in POGO activities within her town but did admit to being a former incorporator of Baofu. She clarified, “I did not own any of the villas inside the compound. In fact, I didn’t see the completion of the construction of the villas [there] after I divested my shares at Baofu. This was issued before I became mayor of Bamban, and I no longer had any participation [with Baofu] after that.”
Senator Hontiveros referenced reports from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, highlighting the fact that almost all large-scale investigations on cyber fraud and cyber scams worldwide have some connection to the Philippines. She emphasized the intertwined nature of scams, national security threats, and human trafficking, stating, “If these scam hubs are so lucrative, it won’t stop. This will just grow and grow. And before we know it, we will be faced with a threat to our national security like nothing we have ever seen before.”
Understanding the Concerns
The concerns raised by Senator Hontiveros shed light on the potential risks associated with the growing presence of POGOs in the Philippines. POGOs are online gambling operators that cater primarily to customers located outside the country. While this industry has brought economic benefits, it has also raised various issues, including regulatory challenges, social impacts, and now, potential links to cybercrime.
The Connection Between POGOs and Government Website Hacking
The discovery of widescale scam operations during the raid at the Baofu compound has raised suspicions about the involvement of POGOs in cybercrime activities, specifically the hacking of government websites. Senator Hontiveros’s statement highlights the intelligence community’s information suggesting that the Bamban complex, operated by Baofu, is being used for surveillance activities.
Although the exact details of the reported high-profile cases of hacking are not provided, the senator’s concerns imply that these incidents have some traceable connection to the Baofu complex. This alarming revelation underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the potential involvement of POGOs in cybercrime and the potential threats it poses to national security.
Examining Mayor Alice Guo’s Testimony
During the Senate inquiry, Bamban Mayor Alice Guo denied any involvement in POGO activities within her town. However, she did acknowledge her previous association with Baofu as a former incorporator. Mayor Guo clarified that she divested her shares before assuming her mayoral position and had no further participation in Baofu.
While Mayor Guo’s testimony distances herself from any current association with the POGO facility, it raises questions about the extent of her knowledge regarding the activities taking place within the Baofu compound. The Senate inquiry aims to shed light on these matters and ascertain any potential connections between Mayor Guo and the alleged illegal POGO operations.
The Broader Implications of POGOs and Cybercrime
Senator Hontiveros’s concerns extend beyond the immediate issue of government website hacking. She points out that the Philippines has become a hub for cyber fraud and cyber scams, with many large-scale investigations worldwide having links to the country. This raises concerns about the interconnected nature of scams, national security threats, and human trafficking.
The lucrative nature of scam operations within the POGO industry poses a significant challenge. As long as these operations remain profitable, they are likely to persist and even grow. The potential consequences are not limited to financial losses but also encompass threats to national security. Senator Hontiveros warns that if left unchecked, these activities could pose a threat unlike any seen before.
Conclusion
Senator Risa Hontiveros’s alarm over the potential link between POGOs and the hacking of government websites highlights the need for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The discovery of widescale scam operations at the Baofu compound raises concerns about the involvement of POGOs in cybercrime activities. The Senate inquiry aims to shed light on the situation and determine any connections between local officials and illegal POGO operations.
Furthermore, the broader implications of POGOs and cybercrime cannot be ignored. The Philippines’ involvement in cyber fraud and cyber scams on a global scale raises concerns about national security and the intertwined nature of various criminal activities. It is imperative to address these issues effectively to safeguard both the country’s reputation and the well-being of its citizens.
Source: The Manila Times
