Senators Push for Continued Crackdown on Illegal POGO Operations

Philippine senators have urged the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to intensify its efforts in shutting down illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities as the deadline for the closure of POGOs in the country draws near.

Despite previous crackdowns, underground POGO operations persist, undermining efforts to curb criminal activities linked to these enterprises, said Senator Risa Hontiveros in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report.

“The task force that cracks down POGOs should be strengthened even more. The President’s policy directive must have teeth. If it is necessary to increase human resources, let the Executive do it,” Hontiveros said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the need for sustained efforts, pointing out that illegal gambling operations continue to pose a threat to national security. He noted that various criminal syndicates use these POGO hubs as a front for illegal activities such as human trafficking and money laundering.

Gatchalian, a vocal critic of POGOs, told reporters: “These underground POGOs are an offshoot of the permanent ban on POGOs, but their existence is merely temporary. Eventually, their world will become smaller and will disappear.”

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over the resurgence of underground POGO hubs even after numerous raids and shutdowns.

“It is imperative that the PAOCC continues to pursue these illegal operators until they are completely eradicated,” Villanueva said, stressing the importance of coordination between law enforcement agencies to ensure the country is safe from the risks associated with POGOs.

Several senators also urged more stringent monitoring of legitimate POGOs, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the industry to prevent future illegal operations from emerging. The Philippine Senate has long been engaged in efforts to regulate and dismantle illegal POGO operations due to their links to criminal activities such as human trafficking, tax evasion and other offenses tied to POGO enterprises.

Several high-profile raids have been conducted, but the underground market continues to thrive, prompting continuous vigilance from the Senate. It was also through the Senate hearings that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo’s alleged ties with POGOs were uncovered.

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