After the President of the Philippines, Marcos, issued a directive to completely halt offshore gambling operations (POGO), the country's anti-organized crime agency admitted that underground illegal operations still exist. The Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recently stated that although large-scale centralized POGO operations have been effectively curbed, decentralized, small-scale underground gambling activities are emerging everywhere, intertwined with various forms of crime, continuing to pose a serious threat to social security.
Background and Current Situation of the Ban
Philippine President Marcos had previously ordered a complete termination of offshore gambling operations (POGO) to thoroughly eradicate illegal activities in this industry. However, according to the latest assessment by the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), although the large-scale, centralized POGO operation model has been effectively contained, underground illegal gambling activities have not completely disappeared.
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz pointed out in an interview that traditional park-style and building-style centralized operations have indeed been largely eliminated, but new decentralized operation models are emerging everywhere, posing new challenges to law enforcement.
Transformation and Characteristics of Operation Models
The current underground POGO operations show a new characteristic of "breaking the whole into pieces." Illegal operators no longer use a centralized office model but are dispersed at various locations to conduct secret activities. Cruz revealed, "Now they no longer gather openly but are dispersed everywhere, even secretly conducting business in 'separate rooms'."
This decentralized, small-scale operation model makes illegal activities more covert and harder to detect and suppress. Operators reduce the risk by lowering the scale of individual operation points while maintaining the overall volume of business.
Criminal Forms and Social Harm
Underground POGO operations not only involve illegal gambling activities but are also intertwined with various forms of crime. These activities include "romance scams," "cryptocurrency scams," and "investment traps," forming an important link in the transnational fraud chain.
PAOCC warns that this gray industry continues to pose a serious threat to society, obtaining illegal benefits through various fraudulent means. The diversity and complexity of criminal activities make the crackdown more difficult.
Government Response and Regulatory Measures
In response to this situation, Philippine Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla has asked local government units to closely monitor suspicious places within their jurisdictions. Local governments are required to report any signs of POGO operations to national authorities immediately so that law enforcement can act swiftly.
The government is establishing a central-local regulatory mechanism to enhance the effectiveness of the crackdown through strengthened information sharing and law enforcement collaboration. This multi-level regulatory system aims to address the decentralized trend of underground operations.
Law Enforcement Challenges and Evidence Collection Difficulties
The covert trend of underground POGO operations presents new challenges to law enforcement. The decentralized operation model makes tracking and evidence collection more difficult, and criminal organizations use more sophisticated means to evade regulation and crackdown.
There are concerns that although formal POGO businesses have been banned, underground operations may be even harder to completely eradicate. Difficulties in evidence collection, tracking, and enforcement are the main problems faced by law enforcement agencies.
Future Prospects and Governance Directions
Analysts believe that President Marcos's "complete halt order" needs to be accompanied by more specific actions to effectively tighten the space for the gray industry. Future efforts may need to strengthen cross-border law enforcement cooperation, enhance technological monitoring capabilities, and improve relevant laws and regulations.
Long-term governance needs to consider economic, social, and legal factors comprehensively, not only to combat illegal activities but also to address the derived issues of employment and investment, seeking comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
