Filipino Ex-POGO Workers Involved in Online Scams, DICT Enhances Police Cyber Training

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) stated that many online scammers today are Filipinos who previously worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). In response, the DICT is training over 230,000 police officers in cybersecurity and digital crime detection to address this growing threat.

DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda mentioned that with the disappearance of POGOs, individuals have shifted to other ventures like financial crime and hacking. He emphasized the need for collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to combat cybercrime effectively.

Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group noted that many suspects arrested for online scamming had acquired their skills while working in POGOs. The DICT is intensifying its partnership with the PNP in critical infrastructure protection, upskilling, and training to enhance the PNP's Information Systems Strategic Plan.

The DICT is providing training and certifications to over 230,000 PNP officials to equip them with the necessary digital skills to combat sophisticated cybercrime, particularly as former POGO-related operations transition into fraudulent online activities.

According to the source: Manila Bulletin.