PAOCC: Nearly 100 canceled POGOs still operate

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) revealed on Thursday that nearly 100 of the 756 canceled Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs are still operational.

At a Palace briefing, PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio stated that despite being listed as canceled by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation last year, many POGOs continue to operate illegally with assistance from law enforcement agencies like the PNP, NBI, DOJ, BI, AMLC, and Pagcor.

PAOCC recently raided a massive illegal POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga for alleged sexual and labor trafficking, rescuing 157 foreign nationals and 29 Filipinos, and more recently apprehended 187 individuals inside the Lucky South 99 complex along Friendship Highway, Angeles City.

The PAOCC chair, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, is consulting other Cabinet secretaries and law enforcement agencies on potential actions to address the issue, including a possible total ban recommended by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros.

PAOCC emphasized the need for stronger policies against illegal POGOs due to the difficulty in sustaining operations without additional support from other government bodies.