Philippines Bans POGOs Amid Concerns Over Crime Links and Diplomatic Tensions

Philippines Bans POGOs Amid Concerns Over Crime Links and Diplomatic Tensions/Reuters

VoM News Desk | July 23, 2024 | 03:15 PM IST | Philippines, World | Follow on Google News

Philippines Bans POGOs Amid Concerns Over Crime Links and Diplomatic Tensions

Philippines Bans POGOs Amid Concerns Over Crime Links and Diplomatic Tensions

Key Highlights:

1. The Philippines bans all Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
2. President Marcos cites links to organized crime and illicit activities.
3. Ban coincides with rising diplomatic tensions between Manila and Beijing.

The Philippines has banned Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in a move targeting an industry primarily serving Chinese gamblers, which has been linked to organized crime, CNN reported. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced the measure in his state of the nation address, drawing a standing ovation from lawmakers and marking a significant shift in the country’s stance towards the offshore casino sector.

“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Marcos declared, highlighting growing concerns about the expansion of offshore casinos into illicit activities such as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, and violent crimes. “Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture – even murder. The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” Marcos added.

The ban comes amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Gambling is banned in mainland China, except for Macao, and Beijing has been cracking down on cross-border gambling activities in Southeast Asia. According to Philippine gaming regulators, there are currently 46 licensed offshore gaming operators, with numerous illicit establishments operating alongside them. Marcos has mandated the closure of all POGOs by the end of the year, swiftly ending an industry that grew under his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who had a more accommodating stance towards China.

Introduced in 2016, POGOs quickly thrived in the Philippines, significantly contributing to the economy and attracting tens of thousands of Chinese nationals for online gambling. Critics have accused the industry of ignoring illegal activities for financial gains, raising concerns over its impact on law and order.

Southeast Asia has seen a rise in online scam syndicates exploiting gambling regulations to target victims worldwide. The pandemic worsened the situation as borders closed and traditional gambling avenues were restricted, leading illicit casinos to pivot to online scams. Many workers in these operations are victims of human trafficking, with POGO hubs often hidden in abandoned malls or nondescript offices. Authorities have intensified scrutiny, alleging that many establishments are fronts for criminal activities.

Earlier this year, a joint operation rescued over 800 individuals from an online scam center posing as a casino north of Manila. The Chinese embassy has supported efforts to dismantle such operations, aiding in the closure of several offshore gambling centers and repatriating nearly 1,000 Chinese citizens involved in illicit activities. China’s embassy in the Philippines has warned citizens against cross-border betting, emphasizing that it violates Chinese laws even if legal overseas.

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