Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday warned that the resurgence of illegal offshore gaming sites showed that the country remains vulnerable to abuses linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian issued the statement after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) released a public advisory warning the public against unlicensed online gaming platforms. "PAGCOR's public warning against illegal offshore gaming websites is an indication that our fight against POGOs is far from over and warrants an intensified campaign against POGO-like entities," he said.

The senator called on the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police to work with PAGCOR in blocking access to these sites locally. Gatchalian advocated for a total ban on POGOs, citing their ties to criminal activity, fraud, and threats to national security.

Earlier, PAGCOR said unauthorized platforms were misusing its official logo and even displaying fabricated license certificates to appear legitimate. Among the sites identified are efesbetcasino514.com, OG7777 (og7777.org), Mpo500.com, QQ88.com, mpo2121.com, Lgolive.com, napolibet.com, KRATOSBET LTD (kratosbet.com), mpossport.com, and efsanebahis434.com.

PAGCOR also flagged a UK-based website, cazeus2.com, for allegedly engaging in fraudulent activities under the guise of 'responsible gaming.' The agency reiterated that it does not grant licenses to offshore gaming operators catering to users outside the Philippines and reminded the public to verify gaming websites through official PAGCOR channels.