By Xander Ledesma
The Cebu City government has assured the public of its compliance with the directive from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to monitor and address Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) posing as legitimate businesses.
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia confirmed on Tuesday that the city has taken proactive measures to address the issue, even before DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla’s recent order. A task force, led by the Cebu City Police Office, has been conducting inspections of establishments that may be engaged in illegal POGO activities.
“So far, we have not monitored any irregularities in the transactions of businesses resembling POGO operations,” Garcia said. However, he acknowledged the possibility that some establishments might be operating clandestinely under the guise of legitimate businesses.
Garcia emphasized the importance of strengthening intelligence efforts in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to identify and address any hidden POGO hubs in the city.
During a Commission on Appointments hearing on November 21, Secretary Remulla urged local chief executives nationwide to ensure that businesses are not engaging in illegal gaming or scam operations. He highlighted that some POGOs disguise themselves as resorts or restaurants to conceal illicit activities.