The masterminds behind the Philippine offshore gaming operators continue to ignore the ban on offshore gaming companies set by President Marcos to take effect next year, instead shifting to smaller-scale operations.
In response to this situation, the President's Anti-Organized Crime Committee (PAOCC) is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to intensify the crackdown on POGOs that will continue to operate after the government-set deadline of December 31.
PAOCC Executive Director, Deputy Minister Gilbert Cruz, stated that they have received reports that despite the government's ban, personnel involved in large POGO centers are determined to maintain their business operations.
He said on dzBB radio, "We have received numerous reports that these former large online gaming companies are looking for safe places to be able to operate on a smaller scale."
He further stated that they have listed some small POGOs that will become targets of raids.
He added, "We will conduct raids on a series of POGO operations at the beginning of next year."
Cruz mentioned that the number of government-licensed offshore gaming operators was once as high as 300, but has now dropped to less than 20, and it is expected that these operators will close their businesses before the government's final deadline.
Another challenge they face is monitoring about 8,000 of the 20,000 foreigners who have worked in POGO centers, who have not left the country even though their work visas have been downgraded to tourist visas. Cruz said that these foreigners might be among those who set up secret POGOs.
He further explained that small POGOs use apartment buildings, gated communities, beach resorts, and even small hotels to conduct their business, with these POGO centers hidden in plain sight. This means their operational bases are usually located in urban areas with a high foreign population, such as Metro Manila, to avoid suspicion.
Cruz said, "In remote areas without foreigners, POGOs are easily discovered."
He reminded mayors to be vigilant about small online gaming companies within their jurisdictions and warned them that the government will not hesitate to hold the local chief executives accountable for any mistakes.
He stated, "We will check if local government executives really comply with our instructions (against POGOs)."
