The Manila Times
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) said no Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs are operating in the country, reaffirming a government directive for a total ban on all POGO operations. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters that the strengthened crackdown on POGOs led to the closure of 80 percent of operational hubs within just one month of the official deadline. “There are no official POGOs left. Definitely, there are no illegal POGOs either. That is the policy of the government — no POGO operations in the Philippines,” Vida said. The DOJ emphasized, however, that monitoring for illegal POGO activity continues, signaling that while official operations have ceased, authorities remain vigilant against potential unauthorized activities. The closure is part of a broader government policy aimed at safeguarding communities, reducing avenues for transnational and nontraditional crimes, and addressing security and economic concerns linked to the POGO industry. Vida said the government’s enforcement measures have ensured compliance, and the remaining areas previously hosting POGO operations have been cleared, effectively ending the legal operation of such hubs nationwide. Authorities also maintain they will act on any reports of illegal POGO activity, reinforcing the Philippines’ zero-tolerance stance.
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