PNP, LGUs enforcing POGO ban in Central Visayas

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is collaborating with local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas to enforce President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare stated that although five POGOs were registered in the region over the past five years, recent investigations show these establishments are currently inactive.

Cebu City's acting mayor, Raymond Alvin Garcia, instructed the Business Permit and Licensing Office to review records and conduct on-site inspections of businesses suspected of engaging in POGO-like activities.

Garcia emphasized that out of 40,000 registered businesses this year, Cebu City has no record of active POGOs but remains vigilant and is coordinating closely with the PNP and National Bureau of Investigation to ensure compliance with the President's order.

Lt. Col. Pelare encouraged the public to report any operations similar to POGOs to help law enforcement agencies enforce the ban effectively.