President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed Philippine law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to launch a comprehensive crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that continue to operate despite a nationwide ban.
The directive, announced during the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council meeting, requires the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to carry out multiple operations against non-compliant entities. Marcos also tasked Local government units (LGUs) with intensifying their surveillance and reporting of illegal activities tied to POGOs in their jurisdictions. Moreover, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will play a pivotal role in gathering community intelligence to aid these efforts.
According to the data from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), as of November, 53,700 POGO employment licences have been revoked, with several operators voluntarily ceasing their activities. The government has set a year-end deadline to ensure full compliance, promising that the Philippines will be “POGO-free” by January 2025.
Meanwhile, the crackdown has resulted in the seizure of numerous properties linked to POGOs, raising questions about their future use. Officials have proposed converting these facilities into schools, government offices, or evacuation centres. However, legal gaps remain concerning the provisional use of confiscated assets.
The Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, signed in July, addresses some of these issues, but its implementing rules and regulations are still pending. In the interim, the government has confiscated several raided facilities to house victims of human trafficking rescued from POGO hubs.
According to the data obtained by a local media, authorities have so far rescued over 3,000 individuals, many of whom are presumed to be trafficking victims. However, identifying victims remains a challenge, as many do not perceive themselves as such. Justice officials emphasise that the proceeds of human trafficking can be used to support victims and maintain rescue facilities under existing laws.
Marcos issued a stern warning to operators attempting to evade the ban, labelling such operations as “guerrilla” activities. He vowed to enforce the law against those who defy the government’s mandate. This follows the signing of Executive Order No. 74, which formalised the ban and set the framework for enforcement.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has confirmed its commitment to winding down all POGO-related activities, including the cancellation of 18 internet gaming licences and the closure of 27 operators currently in transition.
Meantime, allegations of judicial misconduct have surfaced following a raid on a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, where fewer individuals were found than expected. This led to suspicions of insider information being leaked. However, the Supreme Court reported no evidence linking judiciary members to the incident after preliminary investigations.
Despite these challenges, the government remains resolute in its efforts to eradicate POGO operations, safeguard trafficking victims, and repurpose confiscated properties for public benefit. With the December 31 deadline looming, authorities are ramping up measures to ensure compliance and accountability across all levels.
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