PAOCC investigates 58 POGOs, many unlicensed

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is investigating over 50 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations sites across the country, including Multinational Village in Parañaque and a former island resort in Cavite.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio noted that these areas are dominated by Chinese nationals suspected of being sleeper agents for China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), causing concern among nearby communities.

Casio emphasized that the PAOCC is looking into 58 different types of online gaming hubs and stressed the need for proactive measures as many POGOs lack proper licenses, with only 43 out of 58 having valid permits.

Local government officials will soon be instructed to forcibly enter POGO hubs that refuse inspections, underscoring the need for cooperation from other agencies due to PAOCC's limited staffing.

The PAOCC has found evidence linking employees between different scam farms and is working towards stricter enforcement measures to address these illegal operations.