Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito ‘Jonvic’ Remulla ordered the local government units (LGUs) nationwide to report business entities still engaged in the now banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and other internet gaming licenses (IGL) operations in thier respective areas.
In Memorandum Circular No. 2025-001, Remulla instructed the LGUs to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the DILG field offices, as he explained that this is part of President Marcos' order to ban all POGOs in the country.
Remulla also told the LGUs to be in close contact with the PNP to ensure that no clandestine POGO operations are in existence, adding that closure of POGOs/IGLs should be peaceful, safe and in order.
On the other hand, Remulla asked the LGUs to intensify their collaboration with the technical working group (TWG) to provide employment recovery and reintegration, and intensifying the crackdown on illegal operators, as may be necessary and applicable.
“Submission of a final report in compliance with these directives not later than January 10, 2025, through the DILG Regional offices, among others,’’ Remulla.
Earlier, Remulla assured that the Philippines will be ‘categorically’ POGO-free in 2025 with all licenses cancelled as ordered by the President.
In compliance with the President’s directive, Remulla pointed out that government law enforcement entities will hunt down illegal POGOs even after the closure of all remaining ones starting December 15, 2024.
“Ganito iyan, two parts iyan. All licenses are cancelled, so POGO-free tayo; guerilla operations will flourish but we will go after them (This is how it works, there are two parts. All licenses are cancelled, so we are POGO-free, guerilla operations will flourish but we will go after them),’’ Remulla said.
Together with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Remulla noted that the DILG through the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government units (LGUs) will scour potential areas to put an end to illegal POGOs.
Remulla also maintained the total closure of the POGOs will have no significant impact on the country's economy.
Remulla expressed confidence that the closure of the POGO all over the country can be compensated with the enhanced revenue measures that will be conducted by the Department of Finance (DOF).