PH eyeing joint operations vs Pogos with Asean neighbors

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is floating the idea of joint operations with other Southeast Asian countries to address issues related to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos), Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix said on Tuesday.

In a press conference following the 2nd Regional Meeting of Southeast Asian National Anti-Trafficking Committees, Ty was asked if the Philippines has already had initial discussions with neighboring countries about whether Pogos in different countries are connected.

He was also asked if there are Pogo operations in the Philippines that are similar to those in other countries.

“Nasa punto pa lang kami na pinag-uusapan namin kung maaaring magkaroon ng joint operations sa iba’t ibang lugar. Magkaroon tayo ng information sharing, formal at informal na kasunduan sa mga ibang bansa,” said Ty.

“We are still at the point where we are discussing whether there can be joint operations in different places, where we will have information sharing, formal and informal agreements with other countries,” Ty said in Filipino.

He cited the Philippines’ close relationship with Indonesia.

“We all know how good the relationship between the Philippines and Indonesia is and how it has resulted in various operations.” he added. 

“Because of our ties, some masterminds of illegal Pogo, such as Cassandra Ong and Alice Guo, are here in the Philippines to face their cases.” said Ty. 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced in his state of the nation address last July that all Pogos in the country are officially banned in the country.

He also instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease the operations of Pogos by the end of 2024.