President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a directive for both territorial and general operations of the country following the latest National Peace and Order Council Meeting held at Camp Crame on Thursday, December 12.

According to Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo, President Marcos emphasized the issues concerning the West Philippine Sea and the intensified crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

With AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. in attendance, Marcos instructed the military and other security sectors, including the police, to exercise caution and avoid actions that could intensify tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Fajardo stated that Marcos emphasized diplomacy and peaceful means as the approach to resolve the issues in the region.

"Ang sabi ng ating Presidente is we should refrain from provocative stance doon po sa West Philippine Sea so as not to escalate po ‘yung tension sa West Philippine Sea," she added.

‘REFRAIN FROM PROVOCATIVE STANCE’

Sa security meeting sa Kampo Crame, inatasan umano ni Pang. Bongbong Marcos ang militar na iwasang palalain ang tensyon sa West Philippine Sea, ayon sa PNP. | RH 52 @ednielparrosa, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/oriqaSNEqH

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) December 12, 2024

In addition, Marcos called on the PNP to strengthen its crackdown on illegal POGOs, as the deadline for the ban approaches at the end of the year.

There is a possibility that POGOs may rebrand and disguise themselves as small Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) operating in call centers, subdivisions, and communities.

INCREASE PRESSURE vs POGO — PBBM

Pinahihigpitan ni Pang. Bongbong Marcos ang pressure sa mga ilegal na POGO at internet gaming licensees (IGL) bago matapos ang taon.

Ayon sa PNP, posibleng magbagong-anyo ang mga ito para makapagtago sa komunidad. | via RH 52 @ednielparrosa pic.twitter.com/kRUz7h1mnX

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) December 12, 2024