Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic C. Remulla on Wednesday assured that law enforcement entities of the government will hunt down illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) even after the closure of all remaining ones starting December 15, 2024.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Remulla said that in 2025, he would be able to categorically say that the Philippines is POGO-free as all licenses will be cancelled in adherence to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

“Ganito iyan, two parts iyan: All licenses are cancelled – so POGO-free tayo; guerilla operations will flourish but we will go after them.”

“As per the President’s instructions, we will make it very difficult for them until they say that it is no longer worth operating in the Philippines,” he added.

Remulla said that together with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the DILG through the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government units (LGUs) will scour potential areas to put an end to illegal POGOs.

He also said the DILG will issue a directive requiring local chief executives to report suspicious activities about the potential establishment of POGOs in their areas amid the total ban.

“Malalaman iyan sa spike bigla ng bandwidth use, entry of suspicious people congregating in houses not registered as businesses. So, they are enjoined to report immediately sa amin para malaman namin at makagawa kami ng aksiyon,” he said.

All POGO operations are banned in the country following President Marcos’ pronouncement in his third State of the Nation Address and the issuance of Executive Order No. 74 which mandates the cessation of operations by December 31 of this year.

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Remulla-Govt-to-hunt-down-illegal-POGOs-even-after-Dec-31-deadline/NC-2024-1154