LGUs urged to be vigilant against POGOs

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently urged local government units (LGUs) to stay alert and proactive in monitoring Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), stressing the importance of increased vigilance and action against illegal operations.

Speaking during the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC)-Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) meeting at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Marcos revealed that he had instructed key law enforcement agencies to intensify their crackdown on illicit POGO operations.

“Inatasan natin ang PAGCOR, PAOCC, PNP at CIDG na paigtingin ang kanilang operasyon laban sa mga ilegal na POGO at IGL [internet gaming licensees] operations sa ating bansa (We have instructed PAGCOR, PAOCC, PNP, and CIDG to intensify their operations against illegal POGO and IGL operations in our country),” Marcos stated in a social media post.

The President also called on LGUs to be proactive in addressing suspicious activities within their jurisdictions, urging them to coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and avoid turning a blind eye to potential issues. 

“Sa mga LGU, huwag nating kalimutan ang ating tungkulin na alamin kung ano ang nangyayari sa ating mga komunidad. Makipag-ugnayan sa DILG at huwag na tayong magbulag-bulagan (As LGUs, let us not forget our duty to know what is happening in our communities. Work with the DILG and stop turning a blind eye),” he added.

Marcos previously announced a nationwide ban on all POGOs in his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, citing the industry’s ties to serious crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, abduction, and murder. 

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla had indicated that he would issue a memorandum for local chief executives to monitor and report illegal POGO-related activities.

In the ongoing crackdown, Remulla confirmed that law enforcement agencies will continue pursuing illegal POGOs, even after the closure of all remaining operations starting Dec. 15. 

Remulla further assured that by 2025, the Philippines will be POGO-free, with all licenses cancelled as per the President’s directive. “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 stated.

The DILG and local government units, along with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, will continue to target areas where illegal POGOs may still be operating. Remulla will also require local officials to report any suspicious activities related to the establishment of POGOs.

PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil assured the President that the police force is committed to supporting these efforts, emphasizing the PNP’s unified mission to protect the Filipino people. 

“The entire Philippine National Police stands united in its mission to serve and protect the Filipino people. We assure President Marcos of our full support as we implement these priorities to strengthen peace and security across the nation,” Marbil said.

During the command conference, Marcos emphasized the need for the PNP to remain proactive in addressing emerging threats, particularly in strengthening cybercrime prevention through enhanced police training. He also underscored the importance of protecting children from exploitation, a cause aligned with his administration’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable sectors of society.

As the holiday season approaches, Marcos directed the PNP to ensure peace and order, focusing on traveler safety, minimizing traffic congestion, and facilitating smooth public activities. He reiterated the need for heightened vigilance during this busy time.

On the issue of illegal drugs, the President called for continued collaboration between government agencies to strengthen anti-drug operations, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to combat this ongoing problem.