PNP chief dares former POGO operator to ‘name names’ in human trafficking allegations

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday challenged a supposed former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) to “name names” after making claims of human trafficking allegedly carried out by some members of the police force.

“Siguro she should start naming names. These people that she will be naming can defend themselves, otherwise ‘yung 227,000 PNP, lahat kami suspect,” PNP Chief General Rodolfo Azurin said in a press briefing.

[Translation: Maybe she should start with naming names. These people that she will be naming can defend themselves, otherwise the 227,000 PNP, we are all suspects.]

Azurin is pertaining to supposed POGO operator Ruth Abalos Pomposelli who claimed that some Chinese employees were being snatched from their workplace and sold to illegal POGOs for ₱500,000.

In a separate briefing last Saturday, Pomposelli alleged operatives from the PNP Women and Children Protection Center, backed by police officers from Las Piñas, raided their building in October last year.

According to Pomposelli, the police officers then went into their offices and took 72 Chinese workers.

Azurin, however, said the operation was done in 2021 to rescue Chinese and Filipino workers.

The police chief said the allegation is unfair to the PNP as it taints the reputation of its members.

In fact, Pompeselli was also charged for illegally operating a POGO business, Azurin said.

Pomposelli has yet to respond to the PNP.