The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is keeping an eye on 58 cancelled Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) as the government continues its drive against illegal activities in the sector.

In a Saturday news forum in Quezon City, PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said they are now looking into the alleged continued operations of POGOs with licenses that were already cancelled by the government.

He said the PAOCC monitored on social media some of the reported continued operations of cancelled POGOs in Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna and all the way to Palawan and Cebu.

Casio, however, mentioned the lack of manpower in the commission, with only 49 PAOCC operatives at present. This prompted him to call on the local government units (LGUs) to police their own ranks as well, he said.

Despite the challenge, Casio said they are doing their best to ensure PAOCC operations are running. Casio said the commission is trying to be “proactive” by talking to IGLs and LGUs.

“Una, we talk to the IGL. Ang sabi namin do not allow yourselves to be conduit of illegal activities. Next, kakausapin po namin lahat nung LGU,” he said.

The PAOCC official noted there are currently 43 legal POGOs in the country. | PND