Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. welcomed the signing of the law banning illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and vowed to eradicate all clandestine networks attempting to continue the criminal enterprise underground.
Nartatez viewed Republic Act No. 12312 or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enacted, as a critical tool that strengthens the PNP’s ability to pursue and shut down these operations permanently.
“We are profoundly grateful for the signing of this measure. It gives us the full legal muscle needed to decisively end the menace of illegal POGOs once and for all. This will ultimately protect Filipinos who have become targets of gambling and scam operations. We know that many of our countrymen are affected and addicted to it,” Nartatez said.
The PNP acting chief directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to intensify intelligence and operational efforts to hunt down all remaining POGO sites working illegally. “We must ensure that no operations are being carried out underground,” he said.
The new law, signed on October 23, prohibits the establishment, operation, or acceptance of any form of betting for offshore gaming in the country, guaranteeing a zero-tolerance policy moving forward.
Nartatez said the PNP’s fight against POGOs now involves relentless legal coordination.
“The PNP will coordinate with other agencies such as the DOJ (Department of Justice) in filing cases against those involved in POGO operations. There is a need to quickly file cases against them,” he said, ensuring the police commitment extends to legal follow-through.
Nartatez likewise appealed to the public to become active partners in the enforcement drive.
“We are asking for the public’s cooperation. If you know of any illegal POGOs still operating, please inform us immediately,” he said.
