Interior Minister Jovic Remulla assured that even after the closure of all remaining illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) starting December 15, law enforcement will continue to pursue any illegal POGO activities.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will collaborate with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (through the Philippine National Police) and local government units to search potential areas to eradicate illegal online gambling.
Remulla stated that he will instruct local chief executives to report any suspicious activities related to illegal POGOs in their areas.
Previously, Remulla said: "The plan is in two parts: cancel all licenses, so there's no play for POGOs; guerrilla operations will flourish, but we will chase them."
Remulla revealed some signs that might indicate the presence of illegal POGO operations in the community.
"This can be seen from sudden spikes in bandwidth usage, suspicious gatherings of people in houses not registered as businesses, etc. Therefore, they are requested to report to us immediately so that we can be informed and take action," he added.
Remulla confidently stated that by 2025, he will be able to clearly say that there will be no more POGOs in the Philippines, as all licenses will be canceled in compliance with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
Remulla emphasized: "Following the president's directives, we will make it very difficult for them until they say that doing business in the Philippines is no longer worthwhile."
Following President Marcos's announcement in his third State of the Nation Address and the issuance of Executive Order No. 74, the country banned all POGO operations by December 31 of this year.
Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), also announced mid this week that the remaining POGO licenses will be revoked today. He clarified that there will be no renewals next year.
"Since January, no one has had a license (as of January 1, 2025). Therefore, if someone says they continue to make a living or do business because they have a valid PAGCOR license, that is incorrect," he added.
