Image Credits - luisito Santos/Super Radyo dzBB
In a significant move two days before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) convened a high-level meeting on Saturday to tackle the issue of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The meeting brought together law enforcement agencies and local government units (LGUs) from Metro Manila and parts of Luzon.
DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. led the assembly at Camp Crame, engaging with representatives from Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog. Earlier that day, Abalos held a similar meeting in Pampanga, attended by representatives from the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.
Among the national government officials present were Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Director Louie Puracan, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, and representatives from the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor and Employment.
The meetings aimed to address the challenges posed by illegal POGOs and enhance collaboration on peace and order and public safety issues, particularly those related to scam farms. The discussions also covered the authority of LGUs and law enforcement agencies to inspect, suspend, and revoke permits of establishments involved in illegal POGO activities.
Law enforcement agencies have been stepping up their crackdown on criminal syndicates that operate illicit online gambling in recent months. Notable raids have taken place in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga.
The primary objective of these meetings was to address the myriad challenges posed by illegal POGOs and enhance collaboration on peace and order and public safety issues, particularly those related to scam farms. The discussions also covered the authority of LGUs and law enforcement agencies to inspect, suspend, and revoke permits of establishments suspected of illegal POGO activities. The drive against illegal POGOs has been a priority for the Marcos administration.
Regarding a probable ban on all POGOs, President Marcos has not yet made a final decision as he gets ready for his SONA on July 22. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has already recommended halting POGO operations, citing various issues plaguing the industry. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has also expressed support for the ban, despite potential revenue losses estimated at P20 billion.
The DILG’s recent actions underscore the administration’s commitment to addressing the problems associated with illegal POGOs and ensuring public safety and order ahead of President Marcos’ pivotal address.