By the end of 2024, the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced that 80% of the 400 monitored illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) centers have completely ceased operations. This move is seen as a significant achievement in the government's efforts to combat illegal gambling and related criminal activities.
However, Gilbert Cruz, the executive director of PAOCC, stated that despite the significant reduction in large-scale illegal operations, some small-scale offshore gambling activities continue.
He noted that these small groups typically operate with 20 to 50 people, renting a few rooms to engage in illegal activities such as telecommunications fraud.
Cruz further revealed that the committee has received reports of illegal POGO company activities in the northern part of Luzon Island and the Magsaysay region.
He emphasized, "Our task is not yet complete. We will continue to intensify our efforts to pursue these small-scale illegal operators to completely eradicate this issue."
It is reported that illegal POGOs are not only involved in gambling but are also closely linked to kidnapping, telecommunications fraud, and other transnational criminal activities. The government has stated that it will strengthen inter-departmental cooperation and increase law enforcement to ensure that illegal activities are completely eradicated.
