Philippines Battles Remaining POGOs Despite Presidential Order

The Philippine government has intensified its efforts to eliminate POGOs, yet dozens remain operational despite a presidential mandate.

President Marcos’ Executive Order 74 demanded the immediate cessation of all offshore gaming, but challenges persist in enforcing compliance.

Learn how authorities are tackling illegal operators through inspections, deportations, and legal actions to restore order in the gaming sector.

Discover what lies ahead for POGOs as the December 31 deadline approaches.

Philippines Struggles to Shut Down Remaining POGOs Amid Nationwide Crackdown

Key Points:

1. Persistent Operations: Despite Executive Order 74, 47 POGOs continue to operate, prompting a government-led inspection campaign starting December 15.
2. Deportations in Progress: Authorities have deported 187 foreign POGO workers and issued warnings for voluntary departure before year-end deadlines.
3. Corruption Challenges: Allegations of high-profile collusion with POGOs complicate efforts to eliminate illegal activities and hold parties accountable.

Philippines Struggles to Shut Down Remaining POGOs Amid Nationwide Crackdown

The Philippine government’s battle against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has intensified as 47 firms remain operational, defying President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 74. Issued in November, the directive mandates the immediate closure of all offshore gaming activities in the country.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced plans for inspections starting December 15 to verify compliance and ensure these operators are winding down their operations. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized the need to account for the visas of foreign POGO workers, mostly Chinese nationals, whose working permits will become invalid once operations cease.

Remulla stressed, “All POGO operators, including small-scale setups by Filipinos, must cease activities by December 15 and fully close by year-end.”

A Persistent Problem

Despite the government’s efforts, POGOs remain deeply entrenched in the Philippine economy. Illegal operators have reportedly disguised their businesses as legitimate establishments like restaurants and resorts, complicating enforcement efforts.

The government’s crackdown forms part of a broader initiative to address the criminal and social problems linked to POGOs, including:

• Human trafficking
• Online scams
• Corruption among officials

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission has expressed confidence in eradicating illegal operations but acknowledges the challenge of dismantling clandestine networks.

Deportations and Legal Actions

In recent weeks, authorities deported 187 POGO workers for violating immigration laws. Raids on POGO hubs like 3D Analyzer in Pasay and Tourist Garden Hotel in Cebu revealed widespread irregularities, including workers lacking proper documentation.

Deported individuals face further investigations in China to determine their involvement in online scamming activities, a practice often tied to POGOs.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration disclosed that over 10,821 foreign workers associated with POGOs have already left the Philippines. Remaining workers have been warned to voluntarily exit before December 31 or face legal consequences.

Corruption Allegations and Evasion

Adding to the complexity are allegations against high-profile individuals linked to POGO operations. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque faces legal charges for his alleged ties to Lucky South 99, a POGO hub accused of human trafficking.

Roque reportedly fled the country under suspicious circumstances, despite being listed on the Bureau of Immigration’s Lookout Bulletin. Authorities are investigating potential collusion between public officials and POGO operators to facilitate such escapes.

The Philippine government’s crackdown on POGOs highlights a commitment to eliminating illegal gambling operations and their associated harms. However, challenges such as corruption, disguised setups, and international legal complexities persist.

As the December 31 deadline approaches, authorities must maintain vigilance to ensure compliance and prevent a resurgence of illegal activities. With ongoing inspections, deportations, and legal actions, the Philippines aims to restore integrity and public safety within its gaming sector.