Philippines: offshore gaming operations in Cavite shut down

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said all offshore gaming operations at Island Cove in Kawit, Cavite have been shut down in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to halt all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities nationwide.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil oversaw the formal closure of the POGO hub at Island Cove on December 17.

The POGO facility, situated in a 33-hectare property, was the largest of its kind in the Philippines and at its peak employed 30,000 workers of whom half were Filipinos.

The compound features 57 buildings, including employee dormitories, gaming hubs, cafés, grocery stores, clinics, restaurants, spas and beauty salons, among others.

“Anybody can now see that offshore gaming operations here have ceased completely,” Chairman Tengco said.

The closure of the hub is part of a broader initiative to phase out POGO operations across the country as mandated by Executive Order No. 74 which was issued to implement President Marcos’ order to ban all POGOs during his State of the Nation Address.

Mr. Tengco also said all other remaining legitimate offshore gaming operators have voluntarily submitted letters to PAGCOR between late November and early December indicating their intent to shut down their operations.

Chairman Tengco noted that approximately 40,000 workers have been impacted by the closure of offshore gaming operations nationwide.

The DOLE, the Department of Trade and Industry, and other agencies are providing support through livelihood packages, job caravans, and zero-interest loans for displaced employees.

The PAGCOR chief said henceforth, continued operation of illegal POGOs will now be the subject of law enforcement operations including by the PAOCC and the PNP.

“These illegal operators have moved to smaller areas, but the government remains resolute in tracking them down,” Mr. Tengco said, citing recent crackdowns in Lapu-Lapu City and Davao del Norte.

When asked about the future of Island Cove, Chairman Tengco clarified that the property is privately owned and it is up to the owners to decide what to do with the buildings.

“They have complied with the President’s directive, and there are no violations here,” he added.

Island Cove was operated by Oriental Gaming Corporation which had significantly scaled back operations over the past year, culminating in the complete cessation of activities this month.