Central Visayas cops go after POGOs

This is a composite image of workers for Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). INQUIRER file and stock photos

CEBU CITY — The Central Visayas police are monitoring possible activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the region following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban them.

Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Regional Director Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, said they earlier monitored five Pogos in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu but these were no longer active.

“All Pogos, if ever they are existing in Central Visayas, will cease operating in compliance with the President’s order,” Pelare said Thursday. July 24.

READ: PRO-7: No Pogo hubs monitored in Central Visayas

In 2022, a licensed POGO in Cebu was closed after it was discovered that it was used as a front for illegal activities.

For now, Pelare said there were no Pogos operating in Central Visayas.

“We would like to encourage everyone who has knowledge of any operation like POGOs to please report it to us so that we can take action immediately,” Pelare said.

“Enforcing the law is always a joint undertaking between the government and the community, and we cannot fully implement it without your help,” he added.

READ: Marcos bans Pogo, cites ‘disorder’ it caused PH

In Eastern Visayas, government leaders thanked Marcos for his accomplishments and policies, including the ban on Pogos.

“Indeed, Pogos have brought more harm than good to our country and people. The challenge is now in the hands of our law enforcement agencies to ensure that these Pogos do not go underground,” said Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone.

Rep. Jude Acidre of the Tingog Party-list shared the same sentiments.

“(The ban on Pogos will help) restore public order and address the social economic issues associated with their operations,” he said. — with reports from Joey Gabieta, Inquirer Visayas