MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized on Tuesday the crucial role of local government units (LGUs) in implementing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by the end of the year.
As the deadline approaches, Gatchalian urged LGUs to closely monitor activities in their jurisdictions, particularly gatherings of foreign nationals that may indicate POGO operations.
The senator noted that some POGOs have fragmented into smaller groups to evade detection, citing a recent raid in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, where foreign workers were relocated after a Metro Manila hub closure.
“Nagiging maliliit na grupo na nagtatakbuhan sa mga probinsya ang mga POGO. Dito na papasok ang papel ng mga lokal na pamahalaan na maging mapagmatyag at maging alisto sa ganitong mga pangyayari (POGOs became small groups that went into hiding in the provinces. This is where local governments come in, to be vigilant and be alert to such events),” Gatchalian said in a news release.
“LGUs must be vigilant and proactive in addressing these activities. They cannot claim ignorance of what is happening within their areas of responsibility,” he added.
He warned LGU officials that failure to act against illegal POGOs could result in legal consequences.
Gatchalian referenced the suspension of Porac, Pampanga Mayor Jaime Capil and 10 others by the Ombudsman for alleged neglect of duty related to POGO activities.
He called for close coordination among LGUs, law enforcement agencies, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to ensure all POGO hubs are completely eradicated by 2025. (PNA)