The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is scheduled to inspect the facilities of special class business process outsourcing (BPOs) on Friday, December 20, in search of suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that may be operating in hiding.
According to PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz, the inspection aims to ensure that no POGO hubs are using BPO facilities as cover, as previously feared.
Furthermore, he added that their enforcement efforts will intensify in January, focusing on inspecting hotels, resorts, and subdivisions suspected of harboring small illegal POGO hubs.
In a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, it was mentioned that Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil previously disclosed receiving multiple reports about illegal POGOs operating in the said locations.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) confirmed that no licensed POGO hubs are operational in the Philippines following the closure of the alleged largest facility in Kawit, Cavite.
The shutdown was carried out under the leadership of the PAOCC Executive Director, PNP Chief, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco, and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
However, despite the approaching ban deadline imposed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the PAOCC has identified 100 alleged guerrilla POGOs that are still operating throughout the Philippines.
