Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged government agencies to strengthen collaboration in fighting crimes tied to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). He called on all relevant enforcement bodies to work in full coordination to shut down illegal POGO operations and close regulatory loopholes.
As reported by the Philippine News Agency, Gatchalian specifically asked the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and other agencies to coordinate closely with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). He emphasized that only a unified, consistent approach could effectively eliminate crimes associated with POGO activities.
Gatchalian warned that weak cooperation among these groups could stall enforcement. Consequently, it could allow criminal elements behind illegal gaming operations to take advantage of existing gaps in regulation and enforcement. He delivered this message shortly after the anti-POGO operation at Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila, conducted on October 29.
During the raid, law enforcement arrested several foreign nationals. However, PAOCC criticized the operation as flawed. They pointed out that authorities released suspects without proper consultation, undermining the investigation.
“We cannot let illegal POGO activities continue in our communities due to a lack of coordination,” Gatchalian stated. He called for immediate improvements in how these agencies share intelligence and execute operations.
Meanwhile, in his State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally announced the government’s plan to phase out all POGO operations. He directed PAGCOR to fully halt POGO licensing and activities by the end of 2024.
In support of this policy shift, PAOCC recently reported that 111 illegal POGO sites continue to operate nationwide. They stressed the urgency of a more coordinated crackdown. Without joint action, they warned that enforcement efforts would continue to fall short and public safety would remain at risk.
With time running out before the national ban takes effect, lawmakers and law enforcement agencies face mounting pressure. They must act together to dismantle remaining illegal operations and prevent further criminal activity.
