Marcos to agencies: Run after POGOs that continue to exist despite ban

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. ordered law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to launch smaller but multiple operations against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) that continue to exist in the country despite the total ban.

Marcos made the directive during the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC)-Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) meeting for 2024 in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

A press release from the Presidential Communications Office said Marcos wants the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to intensify their operations against POGOs that continue to operate despite his directive.

Marcos also asked local chief executives to coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in running after POGOs in their respective jurisdictions.

In an earlier social media post, Marcos warned that POGOs which will continue their illegal operations will face consequences under the Philippine laws. 

''Kanselado na ang lahat ng lisensya ng POGO at IGL sa buong bansa! Hindi na kailanman papayagang manalasa ang mga ito. Sino mang magtangka na magsagawa ng ilegal na operasyon ay haharap sa buong puwersa ng ating batas,'' Marcos said. 

(The licenses of POGOs and IGLs have been revoked. We will not allow them to continue their disruptive operations. Those who will continue their illegal operations will face consequences under our laws.)

Earlier, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor ''Jonvic'' Remulla Jr. disclosed that he would require local chief executives to submit reports about possible setting up of POGOs in their areas amid the total ban on the operations.

The PCO said that as of November 29, there were 53,700 cancelled offshore gaming employment licenses; 18 internet gambling licensees voluntarily cancelling their licenses; and 27 IGLs in the process of winding down their operations.

Marcos underscored that suspicious illegal activities, especially those concerning POGOs, should be monitored by local government units.

The DILG should step up gathering substantial intelligence from local communities, Marcos said. 

During his State of the Nation Address last July, Marcos announced the banning of POGOs after these operations had been linked to serious crimes.

Last November, Marcos signed Executive Order 74 ordering the ban on POGOs, internet gaming licenses, and other offshore gaming operations in the country.—AOL, GMA Integrated News