Philippines Department of Justice warns Timor-Leste against welcoming relocated POGOs

Friday, October 4, 2024 2:12 PM
  • Ben Blaschke, Inside Asian Gaming

The Philippines Department of Justice has formally warned the government of Timor-Leste about threats posed by offshore gaming operators amid reports that the Southeast Asian nation could become a preferred destination of former POGOs.

In an announcement, the DOJ confirmed discussions had taken place about the POGO issue during a recent visit by Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla and other key DOJ officials to Timor-Leste, with Secretary Remulla conveyed an official message from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta.

According to information from the DOJ, the delegation informed the Timor-Leste government that President Marcos had officially banned the operations of POGOs in the Philippines but noted reports indicating Timor-Leste as one of the possible destinations where POGO operations could transfer.