The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has committed Php50 million (approx. €730,000) in funding to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to strengthen operations against illegal gambling.
The funding will help in the fight against the banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and unlicensed land-based gaming operations in the country.
PAGCOR has already issued the first half of the funding to the NBI during the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at PAGCOR’s headquarters.
The agreement was signed by PAGCOR chair and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and NBI Director Jaime Santiago.
Tengco said that the funding commitment underscores PAGCOR’s mission to not only regulate gaming in the Philippines but also to protect the industry’s integrity.
“We are signing a Memorandum of Agreement that underscores the shared responsibility of PAGCOR and the NBI in promoting lawful, fair, and responsible gaming in the Philippines,” Tengco explained.
“This assistance will defray the cost of food and expenses for POGO detainees, as well as support the Bureau’s legitimate operations against illegal gaming activities.”
Santiago added: “The NBI welcomes PAGCOR’s assistance as it will enable us to step up our operations against illegal POGOs and other unlawful gaming activities. This partnership affirms our shared duty to uphold the law and protect the Filipino people.”