The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has committed Php50m ($880,000) in financial assistance to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to strengthen enforcement efforts against illegal gambling activities, including banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The support was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed at PAGCOR's corporate office in Pasay City by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco and NBI Director Jaime Santiago.
An initial Php25m tranche was released immediately following the signing, representing the first half of the total assistance.
PAGCOR said the funding will be used to support NBI operations related to illegal gaming enforcement, including logistical costs associated with detained POGO personnel and other lawful investigative activities.
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman and CEO, Alejandro Tengco, said: "This assistance will defray the cost of food and expenses for POGO detainees, as well as support the Bureau's legitimate operations against illegal gaming activities."
Tengco added that illegal gambling operators undermine regulatory safeguards and pose risks to communities, noting that cooperation with law enforcement agencies is central to PAGCOR's regulatory mandate.
National Bureau of Investigation Director, Jaime Santiago, said the funding would strengthen the agency's operational capacity.
Santiago said: "The NBI welcomes PAGCOR's assistance as it will enable us to step up our operations against illegal POGOs and other unlawful gaming activities."
The agreement comes as Philippine authorities continue to intensify enforcement against illegal gambling operations following the government's ban on POGOs.
Regulators have emphasized the need for coordinated action between licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies to address both onshore and offshore illegal activity.
PAGCOR's role extends beyond revenue generation to include regulatory enforcement, licensing oversight, and cooperation with government agencies to ensure compliance with gambling laws.
The NBI partnership forms part of a broader strategy to reinforce lawful gaming operations while addressing criminal activity linked to unlicensed gambling.
Earlier this month, PAGCOR revoked the provisional license for PH Resorts' planned Mactan integrated resort, formally ending the project's licensed status after it failed to commence operations. The decision highlighted the regulator's continued focus on compliance and enforcement across the sector.
PAGCOR has stated that cooperation with law enforcement agencies remains a priority as it seeks to protect the integrity of the Philippine gaming industry and ensure regulatory compliance
