The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) emphasized today that the real threat to national security comes from alien hacking and scam syndicates (AHaSS), not from licensed offshore gaming operators.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco clarified that licensed Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), previously known as POGOs, operate under strict government supervision. These licensees generated over PHP5 billion in gross revenues for PAGCOR in 2023, proving their value as regulated contributors to the Philippine economy.
“We must focus on the real enemies,” Tengco stated. “The real threat to national security lies in alien hacking and scam syndicates who run underground operations. Our law enforcement agencies are actively hunting them down, and PAGCOR fully supports these efforts.”
To strengthen national defense against these cybercriminal groups, Tengco called on citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious foreign activity in their communities. He stressed that these groups are typically armed and dangerous, posing a serious risk to public safety.
At the same time, Tengco urged the public not to demonize licensed gaming operators. “We must stop blaming legitimate IGLs,” he said. “PAGCOR closely monitors these operators, who not only pay taxes but also create legal jobs and help drive the local economy.”
PAGCOR has deployed embedded compliance teams to monitor all licensed gaming venues, including land-based casinos. These teams ensure every operator upholds its license conditions. When violations occur, PAGCOR imposes strict penalties—including fines, license revocation, and bond forfeiture.
“We don’t need to ban POGOs altogether,” Tengco explained. “What we truly need is a stronger crackdown on hackers, scammers, and cybercriminals—especially those hiding in secure buildings and compounds.”
Tengco reiterated that these criminal organizations rarely operate within the legal gaming framework. “Even if they engage in online gambling, they do so illegally,” he warned. “That’s why we must go after them with full force. These underground syndicates—not licensed operators—are the real threat to national security.”
As the public debate around offshore gaming intensifies, PAGCOR continues to call for balanced reporting and accurate information. The agency stands firm in distinguishing between lawful, taxpaying licensees and the criminal networks exploiting the industry’s reputation.
