Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla is set to issue an executive order to local executives requiring them to submit reports on suspicious activities in their localities, especially illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“Our department will issue an EO requiring LCEs to submit reports about suspicious activities within their localities as regards to movement or possible set-up of POGOs,’’ Remulla said during a press briefing at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.
Remulla also said that it will be immediately known if there is an illegal POGO operation in a locality because there will be a sudden spike in bandwidth and even the entry of suspicious individuals.
‘’This will be known through the bandwidth, the entry of suspicious people congregating in houses not registered as businesses, as well as the movement of foreigners in the area,’’ Remulla said.
This can also be seen in the movements of foreigners who want to set up unregistered businesses.
Remulla also mentioned that last September, at least 28 mayors were informed about suspected POGO operations in their areas.
‘’This is a list from PAGCOR, they were issued with licenses and under official records 28 local chief LGUs were issued, and have POGOs operating in their localities. So, they were trying to inspect, to make sure there were no activities happening,’’ he explained.
Remulla also admitted that even with a total ban on POGO operations, corrupt individuals may still conduct illegal activities.
“You know some Filipinos are skillful, they will always find a way. But with our system, we can easily track them down and stop them,” he said.
Remulla explained that the Executive Order aims to immediately address any illegal operations in localities so that they can be dealt with immediately.
He said the DILG will cooperate with anti-crime agencies to prosecute illegal activities operating in localities, particularly illegal POGO operations.
