A network of digital advocates welcomed today the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr banning all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, now known as Internet Gaming Licensees.
Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and law enforcement agencies should swiftly implement the order to prevent the remaining POGOs from going underground.
“Now that POGOs are banned, PAGCOR should ensure that previously licensed operators will actually cease their operations and will not set up clandestine operations.”
Gustilo also said that the government should ensure that Filipino workers affected by the ban will be ensured.
“Many Filipinos are also employed by these POGOs and they are working as utility personnel, drivers and private security providers. Their transition from POGO-related jobs should be ensured by the government.
Gustilo added that aside from being torture sites and sexual exploitation hubs, some POGOs have also been operating as scam hubs targeting cryptocurrency users.
“We are hopeful that the ban imposed on POGOs will lead to the lessening and eventual eradication of Philippine-based scams as some POGOs have been used as hubs for cryptocurrency scams, as seen from previous raids conducted by law enforcement agencies.” ###
