Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has promised to further investigations into banks and financial institutions’ involvement in the movement of illegal activities by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The politician says he aims to file a resolution and call for an investigation, specifically into the case of “POGO Mayor” Alice Guo and a POGO hub located in Bamban, Tarlac.
The Senator claims some PHP7 billion in transactions entered into banks without being detected by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
The AMLC during the recent Senate hearings indicated it was still investigating the source of the funds used in the Bamban POGO hub.
The senator further accuses the AMLC of not preventing criminal activities in POGO hubs by not strictly complying with AMLC measures.
Officials to increase inspections
Local Chief Executives (LCEs) in Philippine jurisdictions have also been warned against harboring or ignoring any potential POGO-linked activities.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla directed a message to LCEs, urging them to “inspect all the buildings”, while saying they would be held responsible “if we catch you entering buildings and you do not report to us”.
The statement comes in the wake of a raid on a POGO-like compound in Parañaque City which involved the detainment of some 400 foreigners.
Local Government Units are required to submit a “no POGO certificate” by the end of January.
This comes after a total ban on POGOs came into effect on January 1st, 2025.
Top officials have previously warned LGUs that they cannot feign ignorance over POGO operations in their jurisdictions.
