Rep. Rodriguez wants illegal POGOs shut down

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to shut down the remaining approximately 200 illegal Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs) in the country.

Rodriguez emphasized that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s patience should not be tested, especially since these illegal POGOs are defying the President's directive.

He called on DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos to instruct the Philippine National Police (PNP) to padlock these establishments.

Rodriguez also urged Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Crispin Remulla to direct the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to assist in enforcing the closure.

The call follows a revelation by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilbert Cruz that around 200 illegal POGOs are still operating.

President Marcos had previously ordered an immediate ban on illegal POGOs in his State of the Nation Address on July 22.

Rodriguez suggested that the PNP and NBI coordinate with PAOCC, the Department of Information Communications and Technology (DICT), and telecommunications companies to facilitate the operation.

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