Paocc vows to step up clampdown on ‘rogue’ Pogos starting January 2025

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) will begin its extensive operation against “rogue” Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) on the very first day of 2025. Paocc chief Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz issued this promise on Friday, December 13, 2024, stressing that their action is in support of the administration’s goal of completely eradicating Pogos nationwide.  INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) will begin its extensive operation against “rogue” Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) on the very first day of 2025.

Paocc chief Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz issued this promise on Friday, stressing that their action is in support of the administration’s goal of completely eradicating Pogos nationwide.

“Talagang pukpukan na po ang gagawin namin dito laban sa mga rogue Pogos o ‘yung mga Pogos na talagang magpupumilit pa rin pong mag-operate despite po ‘yung ban na ginawa po at in-announce ng ating Pangulo,” he said in an interview over Radyo 630.

(We’ll intensify our crackdown on these rogue Pogos or those Pogos insisting on operating despite the ban ordered by our President.)

READ: Seized Pogo properties pose next gov’t challenge

The Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation said licenses of remaining Pogos would be revoked by December 15 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the winding down of Pogo operations in the country by the end of 2024.

READ: Remulla: PH Pogo-free by 2025, gov’t to target ‘guerilla operations’

According to Cruz, around 200 rogue Pogos are still trying to operate nationwide.

He also revealed that President Marcos directed all government agencies to work together to carry out the Pogo ban during a meeting as the chief executive believes that Pogos won’t flourish or operate in an area without the knowledge of the local government.