PNP Intensifies Operations Against Illegal POGOs and Online Scams

The Philippine National Police has ordered intensified intelligence work and monitoring against illegal online gambling, online scams, and attempts to revive Philippine offshore gaming operator, or POGO, activities. The directive followed 2 raids in Zamboanga Sibugay that resulted in the arrest of 244 foreign nationals allegedly connected to illegal POGO operations.

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PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units have been instructed not to allow illegal POGO operations to return to the country. He said the PNP will continue to monitor activities that may signal the reemergence of these operations.

The raids were conducted on Friday in Siay and Alicia, both located in Zamboanga Sibugay. Authorities are now conducting follow-up investigations to determine the full scale of the alleged operations and whether they were connected to other illegal hubs.  

CIDG and ACG Ordered to Investigate

Nartatez directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, or CIDG, and the Anti-Cybercrime Group, or ACG, to lead further inquiries into the Zamboanga Sibugay operations.

The investigation will examine the extent of the activities connected to the 244 foreign nationals arrested in the 2 raids. It will also look into potential links between the alleged illegal POGO sites and other operations in different locations.

Police will investigate possible connections to human trafficking and other human rights violations. The PNP said the inquiry will cover the alleged operations’ structure and any links to criminal activities beyond illegal online gambling.

The directive is part of the PNP’s effort to prevent the return of illegal POGO hubs. Nartatez said police units have been given clear instructions to stop such operations from operating again in the Philippines.

The CIDG and ACG are expected to assess the information gathered during the raids. Their work will focus on identifying people involved in the alleged activities and determining whether the sites were part of a broader network.

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Police Monitor Smaller Hidden Hubs

The PNP said it is also monitoring so-called guerilla-style POGOs. These alleged operations are believed to use smaller and more concealed facilities to avoid detection by authorities.

Unlike larger hubs, these operations may be more difficult to identify because they can operate from hidden or less visible locations. The PNP said it is watching for new methods and trends that may be used to restart illegal POGO activities.

Police intelligence efforts will cover illegal online gambling and online scam operations that may be connected to former POGO workers or groups. The PNP said it has received reports that some former POGO workers have shifted to other forms of online fraud.

The monitoring is intended to identify these operations before they can expand. Authorities are also examining how groups may be adjusting their methods following actions against larger illegal hubs.

Love Scam Arrests in Makati

In addition, the PNP cited another case in Makati City where 120 suspects were arrested due to a love scam racket. According to police, in this scam, victims were lured into an online relationship and then asked for money.

The reported shift of former POGO workers toward online fraud is among the developments being monitored by the police. The Makati arrests formed part of the PNP’s wider efforts against online scams.

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Source: Philippine News Agency