The Philippine government has officially launched a crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). According to Philippine media, the Office of the Attorney General has ordered the seizure of assets acquired through illegal means by foreigners, and the annulment of birth certificates obtained through fraudulent methods.
This series of measures aims to implement the comprehensive prohibition of POGO policy proposed by President Marcos last July.
On January 1, Philippine Attorney General Menardo I. Guevarra stated that this operation will focus on rectifying issues related to POGO, especially the real estate and assets illegally held by foreigners.
He emphasized that the Philippine Gaming Regulatory Authority will undertake the main liquidation tasks after the closure of POGO operators, including tracing and cancelling the legal identity documents obtained by foreigners through forgery.
"The current priority is to occupy and control these illegal assets." Guevarra pointed out that the total value of these assets has not yet been calculated, but government departments have begun a comprehensive investigation.
This action is seen as an important part of the Philippine government's efforts to combat transnational telecommunications fraud and illegal gambling. Analysts believe that this will not only deal a heavy blow to related interest groups but will also further strengthen the Philippines' regulatory capacity against illegal activities, maintaining national economic order and social stability.
