KAWIT, Cavite — Following the closure of what is considered the biggest Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub, the Philippine Amusement ang Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has announced that it is believed there are no longer licensed POGOs in the country.

According to Pagcor chairman Alejandro Tengco, the closure of all POGOs is in line with President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s order that he first made during his most recent State of the Nation Address.

Initial reports disclosed that several government officials inspected the POGO hub on the 30-hectare property housing 57 buildings at the Island Cove in Kawit, Cavite.
Authorities said the hub was built on a parcel of land allegedly owned by the family of interior and local government secretary Juan Victor 'Jonvic' Remulla, which was eventually sold in 2017.

“As of last month, wala ng kuryente ang mga buildings dito. Pinatay na. So, makikita nyo naman wala ng signs of habitation dito. Wala ng signs of business,” Remulla asserted.

Right after the Island Cove POGO hub was padlocked, Tengco stated that “there are no more POGO hubs in our country.

Due to its closure, some 15,000 employees, mostly Filipinos, have lost their jobs even as its operator face a number of problems in dealing with the property and the facilities built within.

“Considering na hindi pa po namin tapos bayaran ang mga utang namin dito so we are open to any suggestions. But now, we just want to show everyone na sarado na ang island,” said Ron Lim, general manager of the owner, First Orient.