Illegal POGOs are renting resorts, subdivisions, & apartments to operate secretly, PAOCC Chair Cruz reveals.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is maintaining vigilance against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with recent reports indicating a shift in their operational tactics. PAOCC Chair Gilbert Cruz revealed that the commission is receiving information about POGOs attempting to rent secluded locations such as resorts, subdivisions, gated communities, and entire apartment buildings to operate discreetly.
“Ang bilin lang naman sa amin is to continue yung na-accomplish na natin and i-monitor yung mga guerilla operations na mangyayari,” Cruz stated. He explained that their ongoing monitoring efforts have uncovered this new trend of POGOs seeking isolated spaces to conduct their activities, aiming for complete control of the rented premises. “Yun ang naisip nilang solusyon,” he added, referring to the POGOs' apparent strategy.
(The only instruction we received is to continue what we've accomplished and monitor the guerrilla operations that might happen, and in our monitoring, there are reports to us that they want to rent resorts, subdivisions, gated communities, and apartments, they want to be alone in the place. That's the solution they thought of.)
Cruz highlighted the success of recent operations, which he attributed to effective coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other relevant agencies. He noted that there are approximately 100 small-scale POGO operations currently being monitored, primarily concentrated in Manila, with some presence also detected in Northern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
This shift towards secluded locations suggests that POGOs are actively seeking ways to evade detection and continue their operations despite ongoing crackdowns. The PAOCC's continued monitoring and collaboration with local government units will be crucial in addressing this evolving challenge and preventing the resurgence of illegal POGO activities in the country.
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