EO on total Pogo ban expected this week

MANILA, Philippines — The executive order (EO) containing the guidelines for the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) operations in the country may be issued this week, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

READ: PH law enforcers urged to have ‘consolidated approach’ vs Pogos

“It’s more of what will be the policy, how we will approach, and what agencies are involved,” PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said at a news forum in Manila on Wednesday.

The EO’s release comes over three months after President Marcos announced a Pogo ban effective by the end of the year, citing their involvement in illegal activities such as financial scams, money laundering and human trafficking.

Cruz said that after the deadline, those who refuse to leave would “automatically be arrested.” —Nestor Corrales