Manila: Some 47 Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) are still operating in the country, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Thursday. Remulla announced that the DILG would initiate visitations starting December 15 to ascertain whether these remaining POGO firms are in the process of winding down their operations. According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla emphasized that the POGOs should demonstrate their winding down process. He stated that the department is also monitoring the visas of foreign workers, predominantly Chinese nationals, involved in these operations. Remulla clarified that these matters are interconnected, and once the POGOs cease operations, the foreign workers should exit the country due to the lack of valid working visas. Remulla has previously committed to personally overseeing the shutdown of all POGOs by December. He noted that some Filipinos have started establishing their own smaller-scale POGO firms, referring to these oper ations as "guerrilla operations." Remulla stressed that all POGO license holders must wind down operations by December 15 and completely close by December 31. In response to reports of illegal POGOs masquerading as legitimate businesses like restaurants and resorts, Remulla has instructed local chief executives to conduct thorough inspections. Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission executive director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz expressed confidence that the government would successfully eliminate illegal POGO activities. Cruz also mentioned that legal actions would soon be pursued against local officials involved in illegal POGO operations. The move to ban POGOs follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s issuance of Executive Order 74 last month, which mandates the immediate prohibition of POGOs, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations.