THE government will be steadfast in going after Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) who defy the order to close down before the year ends.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reaffirmed on Friday that law enforcement agencies would ferret out POGOs who will go underground after all online gaming licenses are voided by Dec. 15.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the crackdown on internet-based gaming operations because of the social and economic harms linked to them, including human trafficking, corruption and online scams.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Reports indicate that at least 47 POGOs were still in business.
Remulla said the government will adopt a dual strategy of license cancellation and guerrilla operation suppression.
“Here’s how it works: it’s in two parts. First, all licenses are cancelled, which means we will be POGO-free. However, guerrilla operations may still flourish, and we will actively pursue them,” he said.
“As per the president’s instructions, we will make it very difficult for them until they decide that operating in the Philippines is no longer worthwhile,” he said.
Local government units (LGUs) have been directed to monitor and report suspicious activities, such as unusual spikes in bandwidth usage or unauthorized gatherings in residential areas.
Remulla noted that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other agencies are using the latest technology to detect and dismantle clandestine gaming hubs disguised as legitimate businesses like restaurants and resorts.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and other enforcement bodies will coordinate in the campaign for the deportation of foreigners, mainly from China, employed by POGOs.
Since the crackdown began, over 10,800 foreign workers have left the country, with more deportations expected as authorities tighten immigration compliance.
In addition to targeting illegal operators, investigations into high-profile figures allegedly involved in POGO-linked crimes underscore the complexity of the enforcement campaign.
The DILG, in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the PNP and LGUs, will undertake thorough investigations and enforcement measures to identify and dismantle defiant POGOs.
To bolster this initiative, the DILG plans to issue a directive requiring local chief executives to promptly report any suspicious activities suggesting the establishment of illegal POGOs in their areas.
“Local authorities must report these anomalies immediately so we can act accordingly,” Remulla said.
President Marcos announced the ban on POGOs during his third State of the Nation Address.
Executive Order 74 further cemented this policy, mandating the cessation of all POGO operations by Dec. 31.
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