The Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced a renewed push to shut down all remaining Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The initiative also targets internet gaming licensees (IGLs) still operating in the country.
Clear Directive from the President
Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reiterated that the PNP is strictly following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s executive order banning all POGO operations. He emphasized that the directive leaves no room for ambiguity. Authorities are targeting operators attempting to conceal themselves as business process outsourcing (BPO) companies or IT solution providers.
“The instruction to us is clear: Identify, validate and shut down all the remaining POGOs, particularly those that hide behind the names of BPOs or IT solution companies. We have been complying and we will continue to do so until all of them are gone,” he said.
Multi-Agency Coordination
To strengthen the crackdown, the PNP is working closely with the Bureau of Immigration, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Foreign Affairs. This joint effort focuses on identifying foreign nationals involved in attempts to revive underground gaming operations. It ensures these networks are dismantled efficiently.
Links to Transnational Criminal Groups
Authorities have identified strong indicators that some illegal POGO and IGL operators may be tied to larger transnational cybercrime groups. According to Nartatez, these activities go far beyond illegal gambling. They may include online fraud, money laundering, identity theft, and other cyber-enabled offenses.
Cross-Border Investigations Underway
Given the international nature of these criminal networks, Philippine authorities are also coordinating with foreign counterparts. The aim is to build comprehensive cases against illegal operators. This approach intends to ensure that both local and international offenders involved in the revived underground operations are held accountable.
