MANILA: At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day, Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) saw their operations come to an end as the government enforced a ban due to their association with various criminal activities. This decision follows Executive Order 74, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in November, which mandated the cessation of all POGO operations by the end of 2024.

According to Philippines News Agency, the crackdown led to the closure of the largest POGO compound in the country, located at the former Island Cove resort in Cavite. Key figures such as Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, PAGCOR chairperson Alejandro Tengco, and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil were involved in the operation. The compound, which employed 30,000 people, half of whom were Filipinos, consisted of 57 buildings, including dormitories, gaming hubs, and various amenities.

The government continues to target remaining POGO operations, with PAOCC intensifying efforts against clandestine POGO activities nationwide. Inspections of special class BPO facilities are also underway to prevent the concealment of POGO operations.