Tarlac Governor bans POGOs to safeguard province's reputation

Tarlac Governor Susan Yap announced on Tuesday that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are banned in Tarlac province.

Yap stated that a resolution to ban POGOs was passed as early as January 2021 and hopes it will not tarnish the province's image, which has been attracting tourists due to its natural attractions and economic developments.

A raid on an illegal POGO hub near Bamban town hall earlier this year highlighted issues with local governance and revealed that Yap was unaware of the operations until February 2023.

According to records from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), no resolution was issued to authorize any entity to engage in or operate an online and offshore gambling within the province.

Yap emphasized that the situation in Bamban, including that involving Mayor Alice Guo, is an isolated case and has been cooperative with investigations by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).