PAOCC tracking down 100 small-scale POGOs

MANILA, Philippines — More than 100 small-scale Philippine offshore gaming operators are being tracked down by authorities to completely rid the country of POGOs, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.

PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz gave assurance that in the next few days or weeks, his men would be able to trace these small-scale POGOs and stop their operations.

Cruz said some of the POGOs are located in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.

“Even in the Visayas, small-scale POGOs are being run discreetly,” Cruz said in a message to The STAR yesterday.

Earlier, Cruz warned owners of resorts, houses in subdivisions and condominium units to exercise caution when renting out their property to foreigners as these could be used as POGO hubs.

He warned property owners that they too could be held liable if they are found collaborating with POGOs.

Cruz reminded local government officials to be on the lookout as they could also be held accountable if POGOs are found in their jurisdictions.

He said the PAOCC is providing assistance to about 24 children abandoned by their fathers who used to work in POGO hubs.

Cruz said the agency is monitoring the condition of three women who are about to give birth to what the PAOCC described as POGO babies.

He said the agency is working with the Philippine Statistics Authority for the issuance of the children’s birth certificates.

 Cruz expressed concern for a Vietnamese woman who is carrying the child of a Chinese POGO worker.

Since both parents are foreigners, Cruz said the baby is deemed stateless.