The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has issued a stern warning about the increasing number of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) masquerading as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies.
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz revealed this during an interview with Bilyonaryo news channel's On Point.
Cruz highlighted a recent raid at Central One Bataan, where authorities discovered illegal offshore gambling operations disguised as legitimate BPOs. The company has denied any connection with POGOs, claiming to provide IT support for overseas online gambling companies.
However, further investigations by PAOCC revealed its involvement in illegal gambling activities, with illegal platforms found during the raid at Central One Bataan.
Cruz mentioned that during the raid, platforms like Winbox and Atlas were discovered, which were used for illegal gambling activities, including sports betting and cryptocurrency trading. These platforms are banned in several Southeast Asian countries but continue to operate in the Philippines.
Cruz expressed confusion over these operations being labeled as BPOs, as they clearly fit the description of POGOs.
"We saw Winbox and Atlas. These Winbox and Atlas are illegal platforms," he noted. The raid also drew international attention, particularly from Malaysia and Indonesia, where authorities have traced illegal gambling operations back to platforms in the Philippines.
Cruz also pointed out that the company lacked the necessary licenses issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), further casting doubt on its legality.
Despite local officials claiming it to be a legitimate BPO, Cruz emphasized that PAGCOR has confirmed the company does not have the licenses required to operate as a POGO.
"We obtained certification from PAGCOR, and the certification issued by PAGCOR indeed shows they do not have a license," Cruz stated.
Cruz noted that this is not an isolated incident and warned that many other so-called BPOs nationwide might be operating under similar pretenses. He revealed that PAOCC has received numerous intelligence reports about other companies engaging in similar activities.
"Some BPOs are disguised as POGOs. We have received a lot of intelligence reports," Cruz said.
PAOCC is currently monitoring an additional 260 entities suspected of illegally operating under the guise of BPOs and is working to combat these operations nationwide. Impact on workers and national reputation
Cruz acknowledged that shutting down these operations might lead to unemployment for workers hired by these companies, but he stressed the importance of addressing illegal activities.
He also expressed concern about how these operations damage the Philippines' international reputation, especially in Southeast Asia, where the problem of illegal gambling addiction is increasingly severe.
As investigations continue, Cruz emphasized that legal actions would be taken against those operating illegal POGO businesses under the guise of BPOs.
Earlier this year, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos announced a nationwide ban on POGOs due to their involvement in various criminal activities, including money laundering and human trafficking. The executive order officially takes effect on November 8, 2024.
