The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has refuted claims that a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) is operating near a US base under the terms of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco informed the public: “We have not granted permission to any POGO sites close to EDCA locations.” The Presidential Commission Against Organized Crime (PAOCC) report claiming the existence of such activity contradicts Tengco’s claims. Tengco believes that all POGOs located close to EDCA facilities are considered illegal.
Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Año downplayed concerns about POGOs, saying they pose no threat to national security and do not need to be addressed by the military. He believes the crisis can be handled by the police and civil society organizations.
PAGCOR said there are currently only 43 licensed operators and they claim to have taken strict measures against illegal POGOs.
