Despite the Philippine government's crackdown on offshore gaming operators (POGO), many former POGO operators are still looking for new ways to survive, turning to casinos, special economic zones, and underground financial networks to evade government regulation.
An investigation found that some government officials are suspected of facilitating POGO-related businesses, including the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Alice Guo. She played a key role in the rapid approval of POGO business licenses, enabling related businesses to legalize operations in a short time.
Moreover, the report points out that not only local government officials, but also personnel from the immigration bureau, law enforcement departments, and even the military are suspected of involvement, assisting these illegal organizations in money laundering and human trafficking.
To prevent POGO criminal groups from re-emerging under different guises, the investigative committee recommends prosecuting officials involved in corruption and promoting legislation to completely ban all forms of offshore gaming, including those authorized through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized that although POGO has been banned, related crimes still pose a serious threat to national security, and the government must ensure that these illegal activities do not find new footholds in casinos, special economic zones, or other legitimate industries.
