PAOCC monitoring possible transfer of POGO ops to Visayas, Mindanao

Authorities are monitoring the possible transfer of POGO hub operations to Visayas and Mindanao, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) executive director Gilbert Cruz said Tuesday.

''Mayroon po tayong monitoring na ginagawa, 'yun nga nakatutok din tayo sa Visayas kasi may mga report tayo na natatanggap na naglipatan..." Cruz said during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon when asked if they are monitoring Visayas and Mindanao after conducting raids in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.

(We're monitoring the situation, we've been focusing on Visayas because we have reports that they have transferred there.) 

Cruz also said 80% of at least 400 POGO hubs they monitored have stopped down. 

''Sabihin na natin mga 80% ng 400 na 'yun tumigil but 'yung pagtigil nila na 'yun it doesn't mean tumigil sila, 'yun 'yung hinahabol natin, mga small-scale,'' Cruz said. 

(Let's say 80% of the 400 POGO hubs already stopped operations but it doesn't mean that they completely ceased their operations so we're running after the small-scale ones.)

In November of last year, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. issued an executive order prohibiting Philippine Offshore Gaming, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations in the country.

Executive Order No. 74 states that the ban on POGOs and internet gaming licenses shall encompass illegal offshore gaming operations, license applications, license renewals, and cessation of operations.

The EO, signed on November 5, formalized the President's strong remarks during his third State of the Nation Address, banning all Philippine offshore gaming operators in the country.—AOL, GMA Integrated News