Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on local governments to intensify their efforts against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) during a joint meeting of the National Peace and Order Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council on Thursday, aiming to completely eradicate this issue.
Marcos emphasized at the meeting that local governments must actively monitor suspicious activities in the community and proactively fulfill their duties. He also demanded that law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies step up their efforts to regulate illegal POGOs and Internet Gaming Operators (IGL), stating that these actions are crucial for national security.
Since Marcos explicitly announced a total ban on POGOs in his State of the Nation Address in July, the government has continued to advance related enforcement actions. The POGO industry has long been associated with crimes such as human trafficking, sexual trade, kidnapping, and murder, posing a significant threat to social safety.
Jonvic Remulla, the Minister of Interior and Local Government, also stated that the government will issue a memorandum requiring local leaders to monitor and promptly report activities related to illegal POGOs. This measure aims to strengthen the collaboration between local governments and national law enforcement agencies to jointly address illegal gambling activities.
Marcos reiterated that all levels of government need to enhance coordination and ensure community safety and stability through decisive actions. He stressed, "Illegal gambling activities not only threaten national security but also disrupt social order. Local governments and law enforcement agencies must work together to completely eliminate this threat."
This call demonstrates the government's firm resolve in tackling the issue of illegal POGOs and highlights the goal of creating a safer environment for communities through nationwide cooperation and coordination.
