Gilbert Cruz, the Executive Director and Deputy Minister of the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), stated at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon news briefing on January 14, 2025, that the government is continuously monitoring reports concerning the activities of small-scale Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Cruz revealed that the current monitoring efforts are primarily focused in the Metro Manila area, but signs of related activities have also appeared in certain areas of Northern Luzon and the Visayas islands.
He added, "We have also received further reports from Northern Luzon indicating that illegal POGO operations might be present in these areas."
Cruz noted that the government's law enforcement actions have been somewhat effective. He mentioned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the Minister of Interior and Local Government, Jonvic Remulla, to mobilize local government units to strengthen supervision.
He emphasized, "The President's directive is clear, to mobilize local government units to enhance the regulation of small-scale POGO activities operating in other regions of the Philippines."
Since its inception in the Philippines, POGO has been accompanied by controversial social issues. Cruz's statement reflects the government's concern over illegal gambling activities and shows its determination to further regulate the gaming industry by strengthening cooperation between local governments and law enforcement agencies.
He called on the public to actively cooperate with the government's rectification actions and to report any suspicious POGO activities, to jointly maintain social order and national interests.
