PAOCC to ramp up operations vs illegal POGOs

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has vowed to ramp up operations against illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators starting January following President Marcos' directive to shut down all remaining POGOs.

- Mark Ernest Villeza

PAOCC chief Gilbert Cruz said although only 20 registered POGO hubs await full closure, over 150 smaller operations remain under monitoring.

"These are from the large POGO hubs that transitioned into smaller-scale operations, often hiding in resorts, condominiums, gated houses and subdivisions," Cruz explained in an interview with PTV yesterday.

Cruz emphasized a whole-of-government strategy involving agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

"This is not just about addressing POGO operators and workers. We are also looking into how we can support displaced Filipinos who may lose their jobs due to the crackdown," Cruz said.