The Philippines has declared itself free of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activity following a sweeping government crackdown, according to reports by The Manila Times.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the Department of Justice has confirmed that no official POGO hubs are currently operating in the country, in line with a directive imposing a total ban on the sector.
“There are no official POGOs left. Definitely, there are no illegal POGOs either. That is the policy of the government — no POGO operations in the Philippines,” Vida told reporters.
The DOJ said the intensified enforcement drive resulted in the closure of 80 percent of operational hubs within one month of the official deadline. Authorities described the move as part of a broader policy shift aimed at strengthening public order and national security.
The government has linked the POGO industry to various transnational and nontraditional crimes, as well as social and economic concerns. The ban forms part of wider efforts to safeguard communities and reduce criminal vulnerabilities associated with offshore gaming activities.
Despite the declaration, the DOJ emphasized that monitoring efforts remain ongoing. Authorities said they will continue surveillance and enforcement actions to prevent any unauthorized or illegal operations from resurfacing.
The statement underscores Manila’s firm stance against offshore gaming, marking a significant policy shift for an industry that previously generated substantial economic activity but drew mounting criticism over regulatory and security risks.
POGO previously catered mainly to overseas players and were regulated locally, but mounting security concerns prompted a complete nationwide ban
