The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has warned that property owners who allow their establishments to be used by illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) could face severe consequences, including the seizure of their properties.
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz stated that the organization may initiate criminal forfeiture proceedings against property owners who knowingly facilitate illegal POGO operations.
“This is a serious risk for them, as they could lose their property if we file a criminal forfeiture case against them for allowing their property or resort to be used for such activities,” Cruz emphasized in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
Furthermore, Cruz said that PAOCC could recommend the filing of charges against these owners with the appropriate authorities.
Cruz outlined several indicators that may suggest an establishment is involved in illegal POGO activities including the presence of foreigners, delivery-based lifestyle, increased Internet usage, and high vehicle traffic.
Cruz also encouraged concerned citizens to report suspected POGO operations to authorities. While anonymity is an option, he advised individuals to consider disclosing their identity for their own protection.
Senator Joel Villanueva meanwhile is calling for stronger measures to combat fraudulent birth certificates.
In a statement, Villanueva lauded the government’s efforts to close down POGO operations but urged relevant agencies to take more proactive steps to combat the systemic problems that have been uncovered, especially those concerning foreign nationals who illegally obtain Philippine citizenship and government-issued identification documents.
Villanueva called the attention of the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine Statistics Authority, (PSA) to expand its effort to cancel fraudulent birth certificates which were used by POGO personalities such as Alice Guo or Guo Hua Ping.
In November 2024, citing risks posed by POGOs, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 imposing an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming in the country.
