The legacy of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), initiated during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China administration, has been tainted by allegations of severe criminal activities, including tax evasion, illegal operations, and even torture of Chinese and foreign nationals.

The House of Representatives commenced an investigation on Wednesday into these alarming reports. The House Committee on Public Order and Safety, alongside the House Committee on Games and Amusements, is spearheading the probe under the directive of Speaker Martin Romualdez.

During the public hearing, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) presented harrowing footage showing alleged torture, obtained from ex-employees of illegal POGOs. Without much warning, at least four videos depicted severe beatings and abuse, visibly shocking the attending reporters and some lawmakers.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong intervened, questioning the necessity of airing such graphic content.

“For those who cannot tolerate these torture videos, especially women, and considering we are live-streamed on YouTube where children could watch, I request we refrain from showing these videos. Testimonies and stories should suffice,” Adiong urged the panel.

Despite the objection, Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez defended the presentation, emphasizing the importance of exposing the brutal reality within POGO operations.

“It’s crucial for the public to see these gruesome videos to understand the severity of the situation. Seeing the pain and torture helps people grasp the true extent of these crimes,” Gomez argued.

House Public Order panel chair Rep. Dan Hernandez supported Gomez’s stance, asserting that the graphic evidence was essential to demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.

“Despite the heavy scenes, it’s vital to show the Filipino people and the international community that we are taking action,” Hernandez stated.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio explained that POGO employees faced brutal punishment when suspected of leaking information about illegal activities to law enforcement. “The penalty is severe beatings,” Casio revealed.

Among the witnesses were five foreign nationals rescued from illegal POGOs in Tarlac and Pampanga. One Malaysian, Dylan, recounted his harrowing experience of being sold for P300,000 after being lured to a meal with a friend on Chinese New Year.

“I was sold by my friend under the guise of a New Year meal. I was later informed I had to work off the debt within six months,” Dylan shared, describing how his phone and freedom were taken from him.

Another victim, a Filipina, narrated her ordeal in a POGO linked to a “love scam” in Myanmar. “I was one of the women most tortured there,” she testified, explaining that they were coerced into paying $7,000 if they wanted to leave.

The PAOCC’s investigation revealed that many foreign workers in POGOs entered the country on tourist visas, later converted to working visas.

The commission submitted a list of 402 illegal POGOs to the House panels, urging their immediate shutdown. “Mayors must ensure these operations cease. Any ongoing activity must be investigated,” Gomez demanded.

In light of the revelations, several business groups have called for a complete ban on POGOs.

“We support the recommendation for a total ban on POGOs,” the groups, including the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines, declared in a joint statement, PhilStar reported.

They cited NEDA data showing POGO investments contributed a mere 0.2 percent to the GDP last year and highlighted the significant social costs, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and money laundering linked to these operations.