The National Security Council (NSC) does not see the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) as a national security threat amid concerns that they are being used as a platform for espionage by a foreign country.

But National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año said they are closely monitoring all the investigation, including the ongoing Senate probe, and conducting their own assessment of the implications of POGO operations to national security.

“Currently, we do not view POGOs per se as a national security threat at the level that would necessitate the direct involvement of the defense forces,” said Año in a statement released on Thursday, June 13.

“At the moment, it is a national concern that law enforcement and regulatory agencies can address,” he added.

As far as the NSC is concerned, the pros and cons of POGO operations must be continuously weighed as it stressed that there are legitimate POGOs that are duly licensed and regulated by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and other government agencies.

Some lawmakers have earlier expressed that POGO operations are a source of livelihood for a number of Filipinos. The taxes paid on POGO operations are also considered as a big help to local government units.

In 2022 for instance, it was reported that the taxes collected from POGO operation reached P9 billion but some lawmakers have been raising the social implications of its continued operation, especially that such kind of operation is considered as illegal in other countries. 

Año said the issues relating to POGOs are the illegal activities, such as those involved in scams that were verified through legitimate police operations.

“Illegal POGOs, on the other hand, and those involved in scams and illegal activities should not be tolerated and any violation of law and applicable rules and regulations shall be acted upon by the appropriate law enforcement agencies,” said Año. 

Legitimate concerns 

POGO operations in the country resulted in a spike of criminal activities in Metro Manila, especially those relating to kidnapping. This was reported by the Anti-Kidnapping Group before under then Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo.

The raids conducted in the past weeks also disclosed that illegal POGOs are involved in various online scams. 

But what further triggered the security concerns was when a uniform and other military accouterments of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were seized in a recent raid in a POGO complex in Pampanga.

Earlier, a Chinese was arrested in Metro Manila after he yielded communication gadgets that are suspected as being used in espionage, especially that some POGO complexes are located near military camps.

But Año said these concerns are something that are best referred to law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police and other government regulatory units like the Pagcor.

“The issues related to illegal POGOs, such as illegal activities and regulatory violations, can be addressed within the framework of existing government regulations and law enforcement mechanisms and does not warrant the intervention of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as in the case of going after declared national security threats such as the Abu Sayyaf or the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines),” said Año. 

Pagcor figures

In a televised Bagong Pilipinas briefing, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston John Casio said an average of 300 POGOs are involved in illegal activities.

“The number of scam farms that are operating out there could be anywhere between as low as 58 to as high as 402. Maybe the median number would be 300. Where are they? They are all over the country—they’re in Mindanao, they’re in the Visayas, they are in Palawan even,” said Casio.

“But the great bulk of them are concentrated in Metro Manila, in Central Luzon and in Calabarzon,” he added.

Those engaged in illegal activities are included in the list of POGOs whose permits were cancelled by Pagcor.

Data and insights

Año said the NSC will continue to work closely with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to gather comprehensive data and insights, providing a balanced and informed perspective. 

“This approach will help ensure that any policy regarding the future of POGOs and other related operations in the Philippines are made with a clear understanding of their implications to national security,” said Año. 

He expressed gratitude to those who expressed concerns on the national security effects of POGO operations in the country.

“We appreciate the vigilance and dedication of our public officials and stakeholders in bringing this issue to the forefront as it brings awareness to our people and promotes a security mindset,” said Año.

“The NSC remains committed to protecting the interests and safety of the Filipino people, and will rigorously examine all aspects of POGO operations to ensure they do not pose a threat to national security,” he added.