The Philippine government has recently intensified its crackdown on offshore gaming operators (POGOs), planning to completely eradicate the industry in the coming days to weeks.
According to a statement from the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), over 100 small POGOs are facing tracking and shutdown.
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz stated that authorities are focusing on tracking illegal gaming operations located in Metro Manila, northern Luzon, and parts of the Visayas.
These small-scale operators often operate covertly, but Cruz promised swift action to stop their operations.
Cruz specifically cautioned hotel, residential community, and apartment owners to be vigilant when leasing properties to foreigners, to prevent these places from being used as POGO operation centers.
He warned that property owners could also be held legally responsible if found associated with illegal gambling activities.
Furthermore, Cruz called on local governments to increase vigilance and strengthen supervision of illegal gambling activities within their jurisdictions. He emphasized that local officials who neglect the presence of POGOs could also face legal accountability.
It is noteworthy that the social issues left by POGOs continue to ferment. PAOCC is currently assisting about 24 children who were abandoned by fathers who had worked in POGO centers, showing that the industry not only poses a threat to public security but also has a negative impact on family issues.
The unprecedented scale of this crackdown by the Philippine government demonstrates a determined and forceful action to completely eliminate POGOs. Future inspections and accountability measures are expected to escalate further.
