LGUs told to guard against secret POGO operations
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has reminded local government units (LGUs) in the country to make it sure that no clandestine POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are in existence in their respective locality.
According to Remulla, local execs must not stop in “hunting down” POGO or illegal internet gaming operations and coordinate with law enforcement agencies in compliance of President Marcos Jr.’s directives.
The DILG Secretary ordered the LGUs to submit a final report not later than January 10, 2025.
LGUs he pointed out, must see to it that there will be no business entities still engaged in the now banned POGO operations in the country.
Memorandum Circular No. 2025-001 instructs local execs to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the DILG field offices in case such unlawful operations are still in existence in their localities.
“Submission of a final report in compliance with these directives not later than January 10, 2025, through the DILG Regional offices, among others,’’ Remulla noted.
On orders of the President, law enforcers are directed to continue hunting down illegal POGOs even after the closure of the last remaining gaming hub last December 15, 2024.
“Ganito iyan, two parts iyan. All licenses are cancelled, so POGO-free tayo; guerilla operations will flourish but we will go after them,’’ the DILG chief said.
In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos Jr. clearly declared that all POGO operations are banned in the country.
On top of this, President Marcos Jr. also issued Executive Order (EO) No. 74, mandating the cessation of POGO operations by December 31, 2024.
To support the President’s POGO ban directive, Remulla instructed the LGUs to ensure the absolute prohibition of the illegal gaming operations in their respective localities.
Local execs he added, are directed to conduct “regular inspection on business establishments in their jurisdiction to ensure no clandestine operations of POGO/IGL.’’
Mandated under EO No. 74, Remulla asked the LGUs to intensify their collaboration with the technical working group (TWG) to provide “employment recovery and reintegration, and intensifying the crackdown on illegal operators, as may be necessary and applicable.’’
Earlier, Remulla assured that the Philippines will be ‘categorically’ POGO-free in 2025 with all licenses cancelled as ordered by the President.
Explaining the strategy, the former Cavite Governor said that various government law enforcement agencies will be at their coat tails, making it difficult for them to operate, until “they say that it is no longer worth operating in the Philippines.’’
He maintained the total closure of the POGOs will have no significant impact on the country’s economy.
