Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday called on local chief executives (LCEs) to strengthen inspection efforts in their areas to eradicate illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), following a raid on a suspected POGO-like operation in Parañaque City.

In an address, Remulla stressed the importance of proactive measures from local government units (LGUs) to ensure compliance with the nationwide ban on POGOs.

“This is a message to all LCEs: do your job thoroughly. Inspect all buildings. You will be held accountable if we find out you entered these buildings and failed to report to us,” he said.

A memorandum issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on January 2, 2025 directed LGUs to conduct regular inspections of business establishments and coordinate with the Philippine National Police to detect hidden POGO operations.

The directive also requires LGUs to submit a “no POGO certificate” by the end of January 2025.

The crackdown follows the January 8, 2025 arrest of approximately 400 foreign nationals allegedly involved in online scam operations in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City. The operation mirrored the activities of outlawed POGOs.

Remulla said the DILG will request an explanation from the Parañaque City government regarding the presence of the illegal operation.

“This was a full-blown operation involving over 400 individuals. We will write to the LGU and ask for an explanation of what really happened,” he said.

POGO in Focus

The raid comes amidst heightened scrutiny of POGO operations, which have long been controversial due to allegations of illegal activities, tax evasion, and links to organized crime.

In Kawit, Cavite, a suspected POGO hub was previously dismantled, sparking debates about the effectiveness of local enforcement.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared an immediate nationwide ban on POGOs during his 2024 State of the Nation Address, citing their negative impact on the country’s security and economy.

The DILG’s directive aims to reinforce the President’s mandate by ensuring local governments actively monitor and dismantle remaining operations.