Recently, a company in Parañaque City was raided for allegedly providing support to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). This incident prompted the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to intensify actions, urging Local Chief Executives (LCE) to actively assist in clearing out the remaining underground online gambling entities.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized in a statement: "All Local Chief Executives need to fulfill their duties, inspecting all buildings within their jurisdiction. Those found to have approved suspicious constructions without reporting will be held accountable."
Previously, on January 2, DILG had issued a memorandum directing Local Government Units (LGU) to regularly review commercial establishments to ensure no underground online gambling operations are active.
The memorandum requires local governments to work closely with the Philippine National Police to identify and shut down any websites involved in illegal gambling. Additionally, the Interior Department has requested local governments to submit a "No POGO Certificate" by the end of January to confirm the absence of such activities in their areas.
In a joint raid on January 8, the Bureau of Immigration and law enforcement agencies arrested 400 suspects in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, for alleged involvement in online fraud.
This case further highlights the urgency of cracking down on underground gambling establishments.
Remulla also stated that the Interior Department will require the Parañaque City government to formally explain the presence of this underground facility. As early as the 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had announced a total ban on POGO activities, citing their close association with crimes such as human trafficking and online fraud.
The government's zero-tolerance stance on POGOs reflects its commitment to maintaining social safety and order, and further calls on the public to provide tips to combat illegal activities.
