CAGAYAN de Oro City Police Office Director Colonel Salvador Radam reiterated during a media interview and a Lower House committee hearing that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) activities in the city had ceased as of July 2023.
Radam, speaking after an inspection alongside Police Brigadier General Ricardo Layug, Police Regional Office-10 regional director, declared on September 6 that Pogo operations in Alwana, Cugman, had ended.
“Pogo operations ceased after Covid,” Radam said, clarifying that although they found chairs used during the Pogo period, there was no evidence of ongoing operations.
He added that the inspection revealed only construction workers on-site, as the area is being developed into a hotel.
Brigadier General Layug also confirmed during the Kapihan sa PIA forum on August 6 that no Pogo hubs were operating in Cagayan de Oro or the region, stating, “There is no Pogo within our jurisdiction.”
He even called on media practitioners to report any information about illegal Pogo activities.
Radam, questioned during a September 20 hearing by the Lower House’s joint committee on dangerous drugs, public order, human rights, and public accounts, firmly denied the continuation of Pogo operations in the city post-pandemic.
He also refuted claims of knowing Antonio Yang, alleged to be linked to illegal activities and the Pogo operations in Cugman.
