By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday directed local government units (LGUs) to tighten business permit inspections to prevent the continued operation of banned Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), internet gaming licensees (IGLs), and scam hubs in their jurisdictions.
Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-054, LGUs are required to ensure regular random inspections as a prerequisite for issuing and renewing business permits and licenses, particularly for commercial establishments and high-rise buildings, when applicable.
The directive forms part of the department’s revised guidelines strengthening the implementation of Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which prohibits all POGO and IGL operations nationwide and designates the DILG as a member of the Administrative Oversight Committee responsible for overseeing the law’s effective implementation.
LGUs must also document establishments whose permits were revoked before the circular’s issuance, as well as those previously occupied by POGOs, IGLs, and scam hubs. They are likewise required to report their anti-POGO operations and corresponding results, where applicable.
Beginning Jan. 15, 2027, LGUs must submit annual notarized certifications to their respective DILG Regional Offices confirming the absence of POGOs, IGLs, and scam hubs in their jurisdictions. These certifications must be submitted by Jan. 15 of each succeeding year.
LGUs that have recorded the presence of such operations, meanwhile, must immediately submit a special report to their respective DILG regional directors.
To strengthen detection and enforcement, LGUs are also directed to coordinate with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other relevant law enforcement agencies in identifying suspected clandestine offshore gaming operations.
The PNP and other law enforcement agencies are likewise tasked to assist local chief executives in investigating suspected illegal activities, closing establishments, and apprehending individuals involved or suspected of involvement in clandestine gambling operations.
They must also coordinate with concerned agencies in conducting joint investigations, enforcement operations, and intelligence sharing.
Through the directive, the DILG strengthens local accountability and inter-agency enforcement to ensure that banned offshore gaming operations and related illicit activities are detected, reported, and acted upon before they can continue operating in local communities.
Meanwhile, the arrest of 76 foreigners allegedly operating a POGO-like establishment near major police and military camps in Quezon City earlier this week has prompted authorities to initiate measures to protect critical information, facilities, and operations from espionage.
The PNP intensified measures to protect critical information, facilities, and operations following the discovery of the establishment.
Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force is not taking potential espionage threats lightly.
