Philippine national authorities are urging local governments to ramp up inspections of business premises to ensure they are not hosting banned offshore online gaming operations or workers associated with such entities.
This directive follows a recent operation by the Bureau of Immigration in Parañaque City, Metro Manila, where nearly 400 foreigners were arrested at a company suspected of running scam-like activities similar to POGOs.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized that local officials must ensure thorough inspections and follow up on any questionable operations. The Department of the Interior and Local Government plans to investigate Parañaque City officials for their failure to detect the illegal activities.
Since last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has prohibited all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with a deadline for closure by December 31, 2024. Local government units (LGUs) are now required to coordinate with police and regularly inspect businesses to root out any clandestine operations.
Authorities have also raised concerns about officials’ negligence in addressing widespread POGO activities, citing the failure of local leaders to take action against operations active within their communities.