In a significant move against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), the government has officially shut down the country’s largest POGO facility located in Kawit, Cavite. The closure was led by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, alongside key officials from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and the Philippine National Police. The facility, previously known as Island Cove resort, spans 33 hectares and was once home to 30,000 employees, half of whom were Filipino.
The shutdown follows a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to close all POGO operations by the end of the year. Secretary Remulla confirmed that the facility had ceased operations by November 30, and a ceremonial closure was conducted to ensure compliance. The site, which had been transformed into a POGO hub since its purchase by a real estate developer in 2017, now stands without power or signs of business activity.
Efforts are underway to support the displaced workers. The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry are organizing job fairs to help Filipino employees find new opportunities. Foreign workers, whose visas were downgraded to tourist status, have reportedly been repatriated.
Despite the closure of this major facility, concerns remain about underground POGO operations. The government is actively monitoring and planning to inspect business process outsourcing facilities to prevent any hidden POGO activities. Local communities are being encouraged to report suspicious activities, such as houses with lights on 24/7, frequent food deliveries, and excessive internet usage.
Secretary Remulla has also addressed rumors about his family’s involvement in the POGO operations, firmly denying any such connections. He emphasized that neither his brother, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, nor PAGCOR Director Gilbert Remulla, had any role in approving the POGO hub’s operations.
The closure of all POGO hubs is expected to result in a revenue loss of PHP20 billion for the government. However, PAGCOR Chairperson Alejandro Tengco remains optimistic that new gaming licenses will offset these losses. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police, under Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, has vowed to intensify efforts against any remaining guerrilla POGO operations, with a dedicated task force monitoring and tracking these illegal activities.