Philippines' Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla stated on Thursday that there are still 47 offshore gaming operators (POGO) operating in the country.
Remulla mentioned that the Interior Ministry will start inspections on December 15 to determine if these remaining active POGO companies are gradually ceasing their operations.
"They should indicate that they are gradually ceasing operations. We are also checking the visas of foreign workers, mainly Chinese citizens," he said in a television interview. "The two are interconnected. Once the online gaming companies stop operating, they should leave the Philippines, as they no longer possess valid work visas."
Earlier, Remulla vowed to personally shut down all online gaming companies by December.
"We are conducting guerrilla operations because some Filipinos have learned to set up their own online gaming companies. These companies are smaller in scale. But one thing is clear, if you have an online gaming license, you should cease operations by December 15 and must shut down by December 31," he added.
Reports indicate that illegal online gaming companies continue to operate under the guise of legitimate businesses such as restaurants and resorts, and Remulla has instructed local chief executives to conduct inspections.
The Executive Director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Deputy Minister Gilbert Cruz, earlier stated that he believes the government can eradicate the remnants of illegal online gaming companies.
Cruz mentioned that lawsuits will soon be filed against local chief executives involved in illegal online gaming activities.
Last month, President Ferdinand Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74, ordering the immediate prohibition of POGO, online gaming, and other offshore gaming operations.
