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AT LEAST seven businesses engaged in electronic gaming and customer support services in Mandaue City have had their licenses revoked following a directive from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
to cancel all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators licenses by Dec. 15, 2024.The move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down all Pogo operations nationwide due to concerns over illegal activities and crimes.Business Permits and Licensing Office lawyer August Lizer Malate told reporters on Thursday, Dec. 12, that the closures began shortly after Pagcor formally communicated with dismissed Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes, requesting the immediate revocation of Pogo-related licenses.“We received a letter of communication from Pagcor addressed to our mayor, officially canceling the gaming licenses of certain businesses operating in Mandaue City,” Malate said.According to inspections conducted by BPLO and law enforcement agencies, the establishments identified by Pagcor had already ceased operations before the directive was issued.“These establishments were already non-operational during our earlier inspections. Some stopped operations last year, while others closed even before the pandemic,” Malate added.E-gaming and betting were the primary business activities of these seven establishments.Malate emphasized that the BPLO is now taking steps to formally cancel the permits of these businesses.They will notify them about the cancellation of their gaming accreditation and licenses.Malate said that for those inspected earlier that were already closed, they will ensure their permits are fully canceled in their system.The closure of these businesses is not expected to have a significant economic impact on Mandaue City, according to Malate.“Their numbers were small compared to the overall businesses operating in the city,” he noted.There are 16,000 registered businesses in the city.Malate also said that he could not provide the data on how many workers were affected when the establishments had been closed.“Many of these establishments had already ceased operations, so it’s difficult to determine how many workers were impacted,” he said.The BPLO has worked closely with the Mandaue City Police Office and other law enforcement agencies to ensure an orderly and lawful implementation of the closures. Malate said that during their inspections, they found no active operations in the identified establishments.“Most of these businesses were already closed when we conducted our inspections. Some abruptly ceased operations, while others failed to renew their permits,” Malate said, adding that they are fortunate that none of them are currently operating in the city.Authorities are also monitoring for potential backyard Pogo operations, which could emerge in residential areas or remote locations with strong internet connections. “We urge the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals engaging in illegal Pogo operations,” Malate said.Malate feared that some establishments may support offices for international gaming operations. Malate mentioned that Pagcor is studying how to regulate such support mechanisms.Marcos justified the nationwide crackdown on Pogo operations by emphasizing the government’s responsibility to protect national security, maintain public order, and safeguard citizens.“The State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation,” the President said in a statement.Before Pagcor’s directive, the National Government had already identified businesses associated with Pogo operations.Malate confirmed that local authorities in Mandaue City were notified and had been closely monitoring these establishments.With the cancellation of Pagcor licenses, the City is now considered cleared of businesses operating under Pagcor accreditation for offshore gaming. “As of now, we have not identified any other establishments operating under Pogo licenses in the city,” Malate said.However, he warned against complacency and stressed the importance of vigilance to prevent illegal operations from resurfacing. “The fear now is the shift to backyard Pogo operations. We call on residents to report any suspicious activities immediately,” he added. /CAV
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