Philippine authorities are moving to strengthen enforcement against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) after the government formally adopted the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-POGO Act of 2025.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the regulations, with Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr saying they give law enforcement a clearer basis for pursuing clandestine gaming hubs and people connected to prohibited operations. The police continue to monitor underground POGO activities and scam hubs as authorities seek to prevent former gaming operations from resurfacing in other forms.
“We remain committed to preventing the resurgence of POGO operations in the country. Our personnel are on the lookout for clandestine POGO hubs that may have re-emerged despite the ban on POGO operations,” Nartatez said.
Anti-POGO Law Gains Enforcement Framework
The IRR for Republic Act No. 12312 was signed on 12 August at Malacañang by Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr.
The Department of Justice said the regulations establish the legal and operational framework for continuing the prohibition of illegal POGO operations and addressing organised criminal activity associated with them.
“These rules provide the framework that will guide our respective agencies in enforcing the law effectively, consistently, and in accordance with its intent,” Vida said.
The Anti-POGO Act of 2025 criminalises POGO operations in the Philippines and provides the statutory basis for enforcement against activities covered by the ban.
The regulations were developed by a Technical Working Group involving several government agencies. The group included the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Labor and Employment, Bureau of Internal Revenue and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Special economic zone authorities, TIEZA, freeport authorities, investment promotion agencies and other government offices also took part.
Police Expand Focus Beyond Gaming Hubs
Nartatez said the PNP will increase cooperation with other government agencies to identify operators that attempt to exploit enforcement gaps or shift their activities underground.
The police effort also extends beyond locating physical POGO facilities. Nartatez ordered stronger case buildup involving POGO workers and other individuals linked to illegal operations, with the aim of supporting prosecution and accountability under the law.
“Our intelligence-gathering and coordination with other agencies are strong on this matter and the signing of the IRR will add more teeth in our campaign to totally wipe out the remaining illegal POGOs in the country,” said Nartatez, adding this is in line with the directive to strengthen the government’s campaign against illegal POGO operations and prevent the resurgence of criminal activities linked to them.
The PNP is also watching for the possible return of scam hubs that authorities have associated with networks connected to former POGO operations.
Vida said agencies would continue working together as enforcement develops. “We will continue to strengthen inter-agency coordination, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and pursue accountability against those who violate the law,” Vida said.
The new rules therefore give police and other agencies a formal framework for continuing enforcement while the PNP maintains surveillance of illegal operations and builds cases against individuals connected to them.
Source:
“Anti-POGO rules, regulations to boost PNP drive –Nartatez”, pna.gov.ph. Aug 17, 2026
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