The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Tuesday officially shut down Cavite's Island Cove, which was allegedly the largest POGO hub in the country.
In a report by Jecelle Ricafort, the closure was spearheaded by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, PNP Chief Gen. Romel Marbil, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tenco, and PAOCC Director Gilbert Cruz.
This action was taken ahead of the full implementation of a nationwide ban on POGOs, as mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
According to Remulla, approximately 15,000 Filipino employees and 15,000 Chinese nationals were employed at Island Cove.
However, Island Cove General Manager Ron Lim said around 12,000 Filipino workers and over 4,000 foreign nationals would lose their jobs due to the shutdown.
The operations of the POGO hub had already ceased on November 30, 2024, ahead of the December 15 deadline for the total ban.
Island Cove houses a total of 57 establishments, 32 of which include dormitories for workers.
Authorities' technical working groups are currently conducting thorough inspections of the premises to ensure compliance and assess the situation.