Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla officially closed the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub at Island Cove in Kawit, Cavite, on December 17.
This closure is in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down all POGO operations in the country.
Remulla announced that the facility ceased operations on November 30, ahead of the deadline set by the President.
During the closure, he personally hung a notice of foreclosure and padlocked the premises.
“As promised, we said we would come here in December to show that everything is closed. I hope this puts to rest the issue that there are still POGO hubs in Cavite,” he said.
He was joined by officials from various government agencies, including the Philippine National Police and PAGCOR.
The Island Cove hub employed around 15,000 Filipino and 15,000 Chinese workers, who are now seeking new job opportunities.
Remulla assured that job fairs would be organized to assist displaced Filipino workers.
This closure marks the end of what was identified as the last legitimate offshore gaming hub in the Philippines.
