The operator of the Island Cove Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub in Kawit, Cavite, has denied allegations of torture, human trafficking, and espionage.
First Orient International Ventures Group, the operator of the Island Cove Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub in Kawit, Cavite, has denied allegations of torture, human trafficking, and espionage as it closed down.
Authorities inspected Island Cove on December 11, 2024. The facility shut down earlier in the month–less than a month before the December 31 deadline set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the operations of offshore gaming hubs in the Philippines.
“Walang torture, walang human trafficking walang kahit anong illegal dito (There is no torture, no human trafficking, and no illegal activity here),” said Ron Lim, the general manager of First Orient.
He added: “Marami pong nagsasabi na dito ay maraming Chinese spy. Yon ay pawang mga kasinungalingan. Lahat po ng empleyadong nagtrabaho dito ay may valid na visa galing sa Bureau of Immigration.”
(Many have claimed that this place is a hub for Chinese spies, but these are mere lies. All employees here have valid visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration.)
Lim also clarified that the Remulla family no longer has any involvement in the property. "First Orient has changed ownership," he added.
The POGO hub, which has been undergoing partial demolition as part of a government crackdown on the industry, has significantly impacted the local economy.
Rey Santos, the municipal administrator of Kawit, expressed concern over the loss of revenue from RPT payments made by POGO operators. "It's like a ghost town," he said. "We will lose a significant portion of our revenue, around P40 million annually."
PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, has confirmed that only seven out of 60 POGO operators in the hub are currently undergoing the closure process. The agency stated that the operators are cooperating with the government in the cancellation of their licenses.
However, they noted that only 7 out of the 60 offshore gaming hubs are undergoing the closure process.
Read related article: Island Cove POGO Hub Closes Ahead of Dec 31 Deadline
(Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting)
Comments