LCEs told to beef up drive versus remaining POGOS

CEBU, Philippines — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged local chief executives (LCEs) to beef up their inspection effort to completely eradicate the remaining POGOs in the country.

This came after the raid of an alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO)-like company in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, last Wednesday.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested more than 400 illegal aliens allegedly involved in online scam operations similar to those of POGOs.

The DILG will ask for an explanation from the Local Government of Parañaque on the presence of the alleged POGO-like company.

“Full operation eh, 400 plus, so susulat kami sa LGU, hihingi kami ng paliwanag kung ano talaga ang nangyari,” Remulla said.

Remulla advised all local chief executives throughout the country to do their job well and beef up their inspection and monitoring against POGOs.

“Mensahe ito sa lahat ng LCE, husayan n’yo trabaho, siguraduhin n’yong inspeksyunin n’yo lahat ng mga building,” Remulla said, adding that LCEs will be held liable for their negligence on the matter.

“Kayo rin ang mananagot kung mahuli namin na pinasok n’yo mga building at hindi kayo nag-report sa amin,” Remulla added.

On January 2, Remulla issued his first memorandum for 2025 ordering all local government units (LGUs) to regularly inspect business establishments in their respective jurisdiction, in coordination with the police, to ensure that there are no clandestine operations of POGOs.

Remulla also required the LGUs to submit a “no POGO certificate” by the end of this month.

In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced the total ban of POGOs effective immediately. –/ JG (FREEMAN)