By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Local chief executives (LCEs) must beef up inspection efforts in their jurisdictions to completely eradicate remaining Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued the directive after the Bureau of Immigration arrested some 400 foreigners working in activities similar to POGO at a company in Parañaque City on Jan. 8.
“Mensahe ito sa lahat ng LCE, husayan n’yo trabaho, siguraduhin n’yong inspeksyunin n’yo lahat ng mga building. Kayo rin ang mananagot kung mahuli namin na pinasok n’yo mga building at hindi kayo nag-report sa amin (This is a message to all LCEs, do your job well, make sure you inspect all the buildings. You will also be responsible if we catch you entering buildings and you did not report to us),” Remulla said, as quoted in a news release Saturday night.
Remulla said the Department of the Interior and Local Governmrnt will seek an explanation from the Parañaque City local government unit regarding the presence of the POGO-like company.
He had earlier directed all LGUs to submit a “no POGO certificate” by the end of January 2025.
In a memorandum on Jan. 2, Remulla ordered all local government units (LGUs) to regularly inspect business establishments to ensure there are no clandestine operations.
LGUs are likewise directed to coordinate with the Philippine National Police for hidden POGO operations.
Earlier, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said cases have been filed against LCEs due to their negligence and failure to address widespread POGO activities.
Cruz emphasized that local officials cannot claim ignorance, especially since these operations are often active within communities, where they should be aware of such businesses. (PNA)
