In a significant development, the Philippine government has announced stringent actions against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), signaling a major policy shift aimed at curbing illegal activities associated with these entities. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that only 47 licensed POGOs remain active, with plans to wind down their operations beginning December 15, 2024.

Regulatory actions and visa controls:

Secretary Remulla, in a recent statement, emphasized the impending closure of these POGO firms and the strict monitoring of visas issued to foreign workers associated with these operations. The Bureau of Immigration (BI), under Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, reported that as of November 7, a total of 21,757 foreign nationals tied to POGO operations have downgraded their work visas to temporary visitor visas, with 10,821 having already left the country, as reported by Inquirer.

This visa scrutiny follows Presidential directives to end POGO operations, which have been linked to a myriad of criminal activities, including kidnapping and human trafficking. In October, BI issued cancellation orders for 12,106 foreign nationals who failed to downgrade their visas. Those remaining are required to leave the Philippines by year-end, with the risk of deportation and blacklisting for non-compliance.

Concealed operations and government crackdown:

Despite the government’s efforts, some POGOs have attempted to bypass the ban by masquerading as legitimate businesses such as restaurants and resorts. Secretary Remulla highlighted the challenge during a Commission on Appointments hearing, where he confirmed reports of these covert operations. Subsequent raids, including a notable one in Lapu-Lapu City, have uncovered these disguised gambling hubs. “The last case in Lapu-Lapu showed it very clearly that when PAOCC raided the premises, the restaurant, the hotel and the bar were just fronts. It was a guerrilla [Pogo] operation,” Remulla reported, according to SunStar Philippines.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is intensifying inspections and has directed local officials to closely monitor all businesses within their jurisdictions. Secretary Remulla has announced plans to issue a memorandum circular to reinforce this mandate, ensuring that all establishments comply with national regulations.

The Philippine government’s efforts have also included international cooperation, particularly with China, to address the broader issues surrounding offshore gaming. Recent operations have seen the deportation of 187 POGO employees to China, with the Chinese government acknowledging these efforts as a step forward in bilateral law enforcement cooperation.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration has been firm in its stance against POGOs, which he reiterated in his 2024 State of the Nation Address. The complete ban on POGOs, now enforced, aims to eliminate the associated high reputational risks and establish the Philippines as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination.