The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed local government units (LGUs) to strengthen business permit inspections and coordinate with law enforcement agencies to prevent banned Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), internet gaming licensees (IGLs) and scam hubs from operating in their jurisdictions.
Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-054, LGUs must conduct regular random inspections as a requirement for issuing and renewing business permits and licenses, particularly for commercial establishments and high-rise buildings, when applicable.
The directive forms part of the department’s revised guidelines for implementing Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which prohibits POGO and IGL operations nationwide and designates the DILG as a member of the Administrative Oversight Committee overseeing the law’s implementation.
LGUs must document establishments whose permits were revoked before the circular took effect, as well as properties previously occupied by POGOs, IGLs and scam hubs. They must also report their anti-POGO operations and the results of those efforts, where applicable.
Beginning Jan. 15, 2027, LGUs must submit annual notarized certifications to their respective DILG regional offices confirming that no POGOs, IGLs or scam hubs operate within their jurisdictions. They must submit succeeding certifications by Jan. 15 each year.
LGUs that discover such operations must immediately submit a special report to their respective DILG regional directors.
The DILG also directed LGUs to coordinate with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation and other relevant law enforcement agencies to identify suspected clandestine offshore gaming operations.
The PNP and other law enforcement agencies must assist local chief executives in investigating suspected illegal activities, shutting down establishments and apprehending individuals involved or suspected of involvement in clandestine gambling operations.
They must also coordinate joint investigations, enforcement operations and intelligence sharing with concerned agencies.
The directive comes as authorities pursue separate security measures following the arrest of 76 foreigners allegedly operating a POGO-like establishment near major police and military camps in Quezon City earlier this week.
The discovery prompted authorities to strengthen measures to protect critical information, facilities and operations against possible espionage threats.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force was taking potential espionage threats seriously and implementing precautionary measures to secure its systems against foreign infiltration.
He said the measures were intended to protect police operations and national security.
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