The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) has taken decisive action to uphold the integrity of the gaming industry in the country after a series of troubling events, including serious allegations against several offshore gaming operators. Most notably, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), a once vibrant hub for gaming operations, was ordered to close its doors.
Cleaning Up the Offshore Gaming Sector
The decision to shutter POGOs came on the back of intense accusations that ranged from credit card fraud to illegal detention, and even activities tied to human trafficking. Taking a stand against these illegalities, PAGCOR announced the cancellation of licenses for all offshore gaming operators found guilty of engaging in such unlawful practices.
The daunting task of investigation fell into the hands of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Collaborating with their Anti-Cybercrime Group, the Special Action Forces, and the Intelligence Group of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, they joined the Inter-Agency Council on Anti-Trafficking to ensure a thorough and effective inquiry.
The Case of CGC Technologies
The clean-up operation didn’t take long to begin. The first significant action was undertaken on May 16th, when PAGCOR suspended CGC Technologies, a notable player in the gaming customer relations sector. Suspicions had been raised concerning the accredited offshore company’s operations in early May, leading to an inter-agency search operation and subsequent suspension.
Among the principal reasons for CGC’s suspension was the improper licensing of their facilities. Of six buildings under CGC Technologies’ management in Clark, Pampanga, only two held the appropriate PAGCOR issued licenses, rendering the rest of their operations in the country illicit. The path to license reacquisition lies through an exhaustive forensic investigation, now being pursued by the authorities.
Seizing Assets and Repatriating Foreign Workers
As part of the crackdown, over a thousand devices, including computers, were confiscated from the buildings under scrutiny for a detailed examination. Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO, applauded the decision to repatriate foreign workers, primarily from Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
In a firm statement, Tengco declared: “PAGCOR remains committed to intensifying the monitoring of our offshore gaming licensees and service providers. We will persist in our collaboration with law enforcement agencies to secure a gaming environment that is safe and responsible for Filipinos as well as other nationalities.”
Weighing the Economic Implications
The issue had caught the attention of Senator Sherwin Ctchalian earlier in the year, as he expressed concerns over the insufficient economic benefits brought by POGOs. According to him, the rise in crime and corruption associated with offshore gaming was negatively impacting the country’s reputation and potentially deterring tourists and foreign investors.
The authorities, in response, committed to keeping POGOs, provided they maintain the highest level of integrity and reputation for the industry in the country. This recent crackdown on illegal activities is a clear manifestation of this commitment and stands as a beacon of hope for a more regulated and responsible gaming environment.
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