Following the raid of an alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO)-like company in Parañaque City, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday urged local chief executives (LCEs) to beef up inspection efforts in their respective jurisdictions to completely eradicate the remaining POGOs in the country.

“Mensahe ito sa lahat ng LCE, husayan n’yo trabaho, siguraduhin n’yong inspeksyunin n’yo lahat ng mga building. Kayo rin ang mananagot kung mahuli namin na pinasok n’yo mga building at hindi kayo nag-report sa amin,” Remulla said.

In a memorandum released last January 2, the DILG Chief ordered all local government units (LGUs) to regularly inspect business establishments in their areas of authority to ensure that there are no clandestine operations of POGOs.

LGUs are likewise directed to coordinate with the Philippine National Police for hidden POGO operations.

Remulla also directed LGUs to submit a “no POGO certificate” by the end of January 2025.

On January 8, some 400 illegal aliens allegedly involved in online scam operations similar to those of POGOs were nabbed by the Bureau of Immigration in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Remulla said the DILG will seek an explanation from the Parañaque City LGU regarding the presence of the raided alleged POGO-like company. “Full operation eh, 400 plus, so susulat kami sa LGU, hihingi kami ng paliwanag kung ano talaga ang nangyari.”

In his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that all POGOs are banned effective immediately.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Remulla-to-local-execs-Beef-up-inspection-efforts-vs-POGOs/NC-2025-1004