President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday directed law enforcement agencies and local government units (LGUs) to ramp up efforts against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) still operating in defiance of a nationwide ban.
During the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC)-Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) meeting in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Marcos called for smaller but more frequent operations targeting illegal POGO activities.
The President tasked the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to lead the intensified campaign.
He also urged LGUs to work closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to monitor and dismantle illegal gaming operations within their communities.
On Wednesday, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation assured that all remaining licenses of POGO will be revoked by December 15, noting the signed Executive Order No. 74 last month, mandating an immediate ban on POGO operations.
As of late November, 53,700 offshore gaming employment licenses have been canceled, 18 integrated gaming licensees (IGLs) have voluntarily surrendered their licenses, and 27 IGLs are in the process of winding down their operations.
The President underscored the need to act decisively, referencing his third State of the Nation Address last July, where he banned all POGOs, citing their “grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws.”
The crackdown reflects growing concerns over the social and economic impact of illegal gaming activities, which have been linked to criminal operations such as human trafficking and money laundering.
The government aims to completely eradicate POGO operations to restore order and ensure compliance with Philippine laws.
