PNP Headquarters, Quezon City
December 12, 2024
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed all law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to intensify efforts against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) that continue to operate illegally in the country during the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) – Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Meeting at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Brigadier General Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City.
Speaking before law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, he urged the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the PNP, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to conduct multiple, smaller operations targeting these entities.
Despite an existing ban on POGOs, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of local government units (LGUs) in identifying and reporting suspicious activities in their communities. He emphasized that LGUs are well-positioned to monitor illegal operations, particularly those associated with POGOs, and should collaborate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to strengthen intelligence gathering.
As of late November, about 53,700 offshore gaming employment licenses have been canceled while 18 internet gaming licensees (IGLs) have voluntarily canceled their licenses and 27 IGLs are in the process of winding down their operations.
He also reiterated his commitment to ending what he deemed “grave abuse and disrespect” towards the country’s legal framework, a stance he first articulated during his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.
In addition to addressing POGOs, the Chief Executive underscored the importance of a peaceful electoral process in the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) polls scheduled next year. He stressed that a smooth election is crucial for fostering peace in Mindanao, reinforcing the need for non-escalatory approaches in regional affairs, especially concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Despite recent tensions and harassment from China, President Marcos Jr. affirmed that the Philippines would not deploy Navy warships in the WPS but would continue its resupply missions and assert its territorial rights. He also reiterated his call for peaceful resolutions to ongoing regional issues.
Reorganized under Executive Order No. 773 in 2009, the NPOC coordinates government peace and order initiatives, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue to address security challenges. The RPOC, established under the same order, recommends measures to enhance public safety and orchestrate security efforts among civil authorities, the military and the police.
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