President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption entities to conduct more frequent, targeted raids on POGOs.
The Philippine government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) with a new strategy of conducting "smaller scale, multiple" operations against them. This directive comes ahead of a December 15, 2024 deadline for the automatic cancellation of all POGO licenses.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption entities to conduct more frequent, targeted raids on POGOs instead of large-scale operations. This shift in strategy aims to be more effective in catching illegal POGO activities.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed law enforcement and anti-corruption entities Thursday to carry out smaller but multiple operations against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) that continue to exist in the country,” the President’s communications office said in a statement.
Local government units (LGUs) are also being instructed to work closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to identify and shut down POGOs operating within their jurisdictions. The DILG has advised LGUs to watch for signs of illegal POGO activity, such as sudden spikes in internet usage, gatherings of foreign nationals in unregistered establishments, and attempts to set up new POGO operations.
The Philippine government has been working to eradicate illegal POGOs for some time now. These illegal operations are often run by former POGO employees whose companies have already ceased operations. They are a source of concern due to their links to tax evasion, money laundering, and social problems.
In July 2024, President Marcos Jr. announced a complete ban on all POGOs in the Philippines during his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA). This directive, set to go into effect by December 15th, 2024, has led to a renewed effort to identify and shut down remaining illegal POGO operations.
Authorities estimate that there are still a significant number of rogue POGOs currently operating in the country. These illegal operations are often found in residential areas, hotels, and resorts. The government is relying on LGUs and law enforcement agencies to work together to identify and eliminate these remaining POGOs before the deadline.
Read related article: POGOs Brought in P166.49 Billion According to Dept of Finance
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