ONGOING OPERATIONS. CIDG agents gather evidence during a raid in a village within the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, on July 30, 2024. According to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, 47 Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) continue to function across the nation, as stated on December 5. (Photo courtesy of CIDG)
MANILA – Despite efforts to curb their activities, 47 Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) are still in operation, as disclosed by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday.
Remulla announced that the DILG will commence inspections starting December 15 to verify if these POGOs are indeed phasing out their operations.
During a TV interview, Remulla emphasized, ‘They need to demonstrate that they are shutting down their operations. We are also monitoring the visas of foreign employees, predominantly Chinese nationals. These issues are linked. Once POGOs stop operating, these workers must leave the country as their work visas become invalid.’
Remulla had previously committed to personally overseeing the closure of all POGOs by the end of December.
He further explained, ‘We are conducting surprise operations because some Filipinos have started their own POGO businesses, which are smaller. However, it’s clear that if you hold a POGO license, you must begin winding down by December 15 and completely shut down by December 31.’
Remulla has instructed local leaders to carry out inspections due to reports of illegal POGOs operating under the cover of legitimate businesses like restaurants and resorts.
Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, expressed confidence that the government will successfully eliminate the remaining illegal POGOs.
Cruz also mentioned that legal actions will soon be taken against local officials involved in illegal POGO operations.
Last month, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 74, which immediately bans POGOs, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming activities. (PNA)