The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is tracking over 100 small-scale Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to eradicate their presence in the country.
PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz said efforts are focused on Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, and the Visayas, with crackdowns expected in the coming weeks.
Property owners and local officials have been warned against facilitating POGO operations, as they may face legal repercussions.
The agency is also aiding children abandoned by POGO workers, including three women about to give birth to so-called “POGO babies,” some of whom are at risk of statelessness.
Cruz assured continued collaboration with the Philippine Statistics Authority to secure necessary documents for affected children.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 11, 2025
