As the December 31st deadline for the Philippine government’s Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) ban approaches, small-scale operators in the Philippines are scrambling to stay in business, often hiding in plain sight.
These clandestine operations are reportedly using condominium buildings, gated subdivisions, beach resorts, and small hotels to continue their activities, defying President Marcos’ directive to shut down POGO operations by the end of the year.
To counter these efforts, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is preparing a series of raids to dismantle illegal POGO hubs early next year.
PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz revealed that they are actively monitoring reports of former large-scale POGO operators transitioning to smaller, more discreet setups.
“We’ve received numerous reports that these former big-time POGOs are scouting for safe places to operate on a smaller scale,” Cruz said in an interview with radio dzBB on December 28th.
Cruz confirmed that a list of these small-scale operations has been compiled, with raids already scheduled for early 2025. “We have a lineup of POGO raids early next year,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s resolve to enforce the ban.
At its peak, the Philippines had around 300 licensed POGOs. That number has since plummeted to fewer than 20, all of which are expected to close shop by the government’s deadline. However, a significant challenge remains: an estimated 8,000 foreign nationals who previously worked in POGO hubs have stayed in the country despite having their work visas downgraded to tourist status. Authorities suspect that some of these individuals may be behind the small-scale POGO setups.
These smaller operations are reportedly concentrated in urban areas like Metro Manila, where the presence of foreigners is common, allowing them to blend in without drawing attention. “POGOs are easier to expose in remote areas with no foreigners,” Cruz noted.
Cruz also called on local government officials, particularly mayors, to help identify and shut down these hidden operations. He warned that the national government will not hesitate to act against local officials who turn a blind eye to the directive. “We’ll check if our local government executives will truly follow through on our directive to crack down on POGOs,” he said.
The intensified effort to eliminate POGOs underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the social and economic issues linked to the industry, from crime to tax evasion. However, as small-scale operators find new ways to evade detection, the task of shutting them down may prove to be an ongoing challenge.
