Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged local government units (LGUs) to take an active role in enforcing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by the end of the year.
With the deadline fast approaching, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of vigilance in identifying and addressing POGO-related activities within local jurisdictions, particularly gatherings of foreign nationals that may signal ongoing operations.
The senator warned that some POGOs are resorting to fragmenting their operations into smaller, harder-to-detect, groups to evade authorities. He cited a recent raid in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, where foreign workers were found relocated after a major POGO hub in Metro Manila was shut down.
“POGOs are breaking into smaller groups and moving to provinces. This is where LGUs play a critical role—by being vigilant and alert to such developments,” Gatchalian stated in a news release.
He stressed that LGUs cannot afford to turn a blind eye to illegal activities within their territories. “LGUs must be proactive in addressing these activities. They cannot claim ignorance of what is happening in their areas of responsibility,” he added.
The senator warned that LGU officials who fail to act against illegal POGOs may face legal repercussions. He referenced the recent suspension of Porac, Pampanga Mayor Jaime Capil and 10 others by the Ombudsman for alleged neglect of duty in relation to POGO operations in their area.
“This should serve as a reminder that inaction has consequences,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian called for closer coordination among LGUs, law enforcement agencies, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to ensure the complete eradication of POGO hubs by 2025.
“The effective enforcement of the POGO ban depends on the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders,” he said.
