PAOCC vows to end illegal POGOs in one year

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) aims to eliminate all illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within a year, according to Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.

Cruz stated that 11,000 illegal workers are still conducting scamming activities despite the total ban on POGOs.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued an executive order on November 5, 2024, prohibiting POGOs, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations in the country.

The ban, detailed in Executive Order No. 74, encompasses illegal offshore gaming operations, license applications, renewals, and cessation of operations.

PAOCC rescued 34 Indonesians recently who claimed they were coerced into working for a fraudulent operation.

A kidnapped Chinese national was also recovered, showing signs of torture, with evidence on the kidnappers' phones depicting further torture of other foreigners.

Cruz noted a trend where foreign nationals involved in criminal activities are increasingly relying on their own enforcers rather than Filipino accomplices.

PAOCC is urging families with missing relatives who may be working for illegal POGOs to contact them to check if they are among the victims in torture videos.