The national security adviser previously stated that the Philippines is monitoring offshore gaming operations. This is amid concerns that Beijing could use them to stir up trouble in the country.
Recently, government officials, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and at least two senators, suggested that Beijing could be using illegal gambling operations. They believe these operations could weaken governments with which China has ongoing conflicts.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated that currently, POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are not considered a national security threat. He emphasized that their operations do not require the direct involvement of the armed forces. At the moment, it is a national concern that law enforcement and regulatory agencies can address.
Año said his agency would continue to work with legislators and other government officials to provide a balanced and informed perspective about POGOs.
POGOs are online gaming firms that cater to foreign customers, especially nationals from China. Gambling is illegal in China.
According to PAGCOR or the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, a government-owned entity, over 250 POGOs are suspected to be operating without a license. By comparison, 46 operate legitimately in the country. This contributed more than 5 million pesos or $85.32 million gross revenues in the past year.
He noted that the government licenses legitimate POGO operators. However, illegal operators have been involved in scams and other crimes that should not be tolerated.
According to the police, they recently stepped up operations against illegal POGOs. This shuts down a lot of firms for having alleged links to crimes. These crimes include human trafficking, online fraud, and prostitution.
In a raid less than a month ago, police found Chinese military uniforms as well as other paraphernalia in Lucky South 99. It is a cluster of buildings that catered to POGO operations in Porac town north of Manila.
