According to Philippine media, Winston Casio, the spokesperson for the Philippine President's Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), stated that the Philippines plans to launch two major operations against the online gambling industry, aiming not only to disrupt its operations but also to arrest those involved in the activity.
The spokesperson mentioned that the authorities are currently waiting for comprehensive reports from the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and other relevant departments on several past raids on online gambling parks.
Despite President Marcos's announcement at the end of July to completely ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) or online gambling, many online gambling companies are still operating.
Meanwhile, Casio stated that the Anti-Organized Crime Commission will lead a cross-government task force to conduct raids on online gambling parks.
He noted: "These large-scale raids aim to completely eliminate the online gambling industry through legal procedures, charge those responsible, expel foreign nationals involved in the industry, and confiscate the properties of the parks."
However, he indicated that illegal online gambling companies remain a problem as they continue to operate in a "guerrilla" manner.
