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After the cancellation of CGC Technologies (CGC) accreditation, an offshore gaming service providers based in Pampanga, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation cancelled Sun Valley Clark’s provisional accreditation as an offshore gambling hub.
PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said that Sun Valley Clark Hub, located in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, “no long qualifies to maintain its provisional certification, nor to be granted a full accreditation for an offshore gaming hub, due to its inability to ensure lawful and orderly offshore gaming by the occupants of its registered sites.”
On May 4, 2023 an inter-agency rescue and search operation was conducted at Sun Valley, after CGC, the owner of six buildings in the offshore gaming hub, had been accused of criminal activities including cryptocurrency investment scams and serious illegal detention. Only two of the six buildings were accredited by PAGCOR.
A POGO hub is an offshore gaming operator and service provider complex that houses operations, logistics, administrative, and support services. POGO hubs include office and residential space, food establishments or supermarkets as well as health and wellness centers, recreational facilities and other facilities.
Tengco has reminded PAGCOR offshore gaming operators to refrain from any criminal activity if they want to maintain their accreditation and licenses.
This is a warning for all of our offshore gaming licensees, and service providers accredited by PAGCOR that PAGCOR takes its mission seriously to promote responsible and regulated gambling in the country. We recognize the potential for offshore gaming to generate revenue, but we don’t condone any criminal activity which violates rights of Filipinos or other nationalities.
PAGCOR’s chief warned that foreigners should be cautious when accepting job offers online in the Philippines. Fraudsters often use these attractive jobs as a way to traffic in people.
PAGCOR reminds foreign nationals that are offered attractive job opportunities in the Philippines, to verify the legitimacy of the company they are applying to. “By going the extra step, they can protect against possible scams and trafficking,” he said.
Tengco said that PAGCOR works closely with partner government agencies, including the Office of the President and the Departments of Justice, Interior and Local Governments, Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation as well as the Bureau of Immigration, to combat illegal offshore gaming activities.
