Photo credit: PCO

It looks like the endgame for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is here—and the government isn’t holding back.

On Wednesday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla made it crystal clear: POGO operations, even the underground ones, will be hunted down. During a press briefing in Malacañang, Remulla acknowledged that some "guerrilla" POGO activities might still try to sneak under the radar, but the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), is ready to go all out.

“Guerrilla (POGO) operations will still flourish, but we will go after them,” he said, leaving no room for doubt.

Eyes Everywhere: How Will They Find Underground POGOs?

According to Remulla, local chief executives will soon play a big role in the crackdown. The DILG plans to issue an executive order requiring mayors and governors to report any suspicious activities in their areas—and there are plenty of red flags to watch for.

“Malalaman ‘yan sa spike bigla ng bandwidth use, entry of suspicious people, congregating in houses not registered as businesses,” he explained. Translation? The government is keeping an eye on unusual internet activity, unfamiliar foreigners, and shady gatherings in residential areas. Local officials are being encouraged to speak up at the first sign of something fishy so the authorities can act fast.

“Kami po ng PAOCC ay magkasama. Jointly namin tutugisin lahat ng mga ‘yan hanggang matapos lahat,” Remulla added, making it clear that this is a team effort.

PAGCOR: All POGO Licenses Gone by December 15

As if that wasn’t enough, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) dropped its own bombshell: by December 15, all remaining POGO licenses will be revoked. That’s right—*no more legal POGO operations.*

This aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s firm stance against the industry. During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos called for a complete ban, pointing out the darker side of POGOs. What started as gaming operations have, according to the President, devolved into a hub for crimes like financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and even murder.

“POGOs have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming,” Marcos declared, sealing the fate of these operators.

A Final Push to End POGOs for Good

With the government doubling down on its efforts and PAGCOR ready to pull the plug on licenses, the message is clear: *POGOs, legal or underground, no longer have a place in the Philippines.* But as Remulla hinted, the fight isn’t over. Some groups will try to slip through the cracks—and that’s exactly why the government is staying vigilant.

So, is the Philippines on its way to being POGO-free by 2025? It’s looking more likely by the day. For now, the crackdown is on, and it’s *game over* for those trying to keep the illegal operations alive.