Tagged as the largest POGO hub in the Philippines, Island Cove is owned by businessman Kim Wong. It is now officially closed as of November 30, 2024.
The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub located at Island Cove in Cavite has officially shut down a month earlier than the December 31 deadline set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The closure, which took place on November 30, 2024, marks a significant step in the government’s push to close down all POGOs operating in the country by the end of the year.
A photo obtained by Politiko showed a tarpaulin displayed at the entrance of the Island Cove facility, announcing the shutdown: "ISLAND COVE IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED as of Nov. 30, 2024." This early closure came as a result of mounting pressure from the government to shut down POGOs, which have faced increasing scrutiny over their alleged ties to organized crime and illegal activities.
Largest POGO Hub in the Philippines
Island Cove, a sprawling 36-hectare property in Cavite, has long been known as one of the largest POGO hubs in the Philippines. It was owned by businessman Kim Wong, a prominent figure in the local gaming industry. Last October, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla had vowed that the facility would be shut down by December 15, 2024, in line with the government’s broader plan to eliminate POGOs operating in the country.
The closure of Island Cove is part of a broader crackdown on POGOs, which have been facing increasing criticism from various sectors of society. The government has cited concerns about the impact of these gaming operations on public order, the rise of illegal gambling activities, and reports of criminal syndicates using POGOs as fronts for illicit operations.
Presidential Mandate for POGO Closure
In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this year, President Marcos ordered the closure of all POGOs operating within the country by the end of 2024. This directive came in response to growing concerns over the negative effects of the POGO industry, particularly its links to human trafficking, money laundering, and other forms of organized crime.
The Philippine government has been increasingly vocal about the need to regulate or shut down POGOs. These gambling operations, which cater mainly to foreign nationals, particularly Chinese nationals, have been the subject of numerous investigations due to their alleged involvement in illegal activities. Despite being a source of revenue for the country, the government has prioritized national security and social stability over the economic benefits that the POGO sector provides.
Remulla’s Denial of Involvement
Jonvic Remulla, the Interior Secretary, who previously held ownership of Island Cove through his family, has strongly denied any personal involvement in the POGO industry. In response to accusations linking his family to the operations at Island Cove, Remulla offered a P10-million reward to anyone who could provide evidence of his family’s involvement in gaming activities at the leisure hub.
Remulla has faced scrutiny due to his family’s past ties to Island Cove, and the POGO operations conducted there. Despite his public denial, the allegations of political and business connections to the POGO industry have continued to circulate, raising questions about the extent of government involvement in the sector.
The closure of Island Cove, however, signals the government's commitment to enforcing the President’s directive. Remulla has maintained that his family’s interests in Island Cove were unrelated to the POGO operations that took place there, further insisting that he and his family had no direct involvement in the gaming industry.
Impact on Local Economy and Workers
The closure of Island Cove has led to uncertainty for the thousands of employees working in the POGO hub. As one of the largest POGO facilities in the country, Island Cove employed many individuals across various sectors, including security, administration, and customer service. With the sudden closure, many workers are now facing the prospect of job loss.
Local businesses in the area that relied on the influx of POGO employees and foreign clients may also feel the economic impact of the shutdown. Island Cove’s closure is part of a broader trend of the Philippine government moving to shut down POGOs, potentially leading to job losses and disruptions to local economies, particularly in areas that have become heavily reliant on the sector.
Government’s Ongoing Crackdown on POGOs
The early closure of Island Cove is just one of several steps taken by the government in its ongoing effort to shut down all POGOs in the country by the end of the year. In addition to Island Cove, several other POGO hubs across the Philippines have already been raided or closed, with authorities continuing to monitor the industry for any further illegal activities.
The Philippine government’s crackdown on POGOs is expected to continue into 2025, as officials work to address concerns over national security, crime, and illegal gambling.
Read related article: 5,000 Cavite Jobs at Risk as Kawit POGO Hub Faces Closure
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