Last Saturday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a large-scale operation at a resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Central Visayas, rescuing 162 foreigners. This prompted the PNP to strengthen its monitoring and enforcement actions against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Enhanced Regional Monitoring:
Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, director of the PNP's 7th Regional Office, has issued directives to all police chiefs in Cebu Province to be vigilant about potential POGOs in their areas. This directive was issued following a large-scale raid in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City, detailed by regional police spokesperson Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare.
While enhancing surveillance, Pelare also called for local community assistance in reporting any institutions suspected of fraudulent activities. This community involvement is seen as a crucial part of a broader strategy to curb illegal gambling activities, which often target vulnerable groups.
The raid has reignited concerns, but it is not an isolated action; it is part of a joint operation involving multiple agencies. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of Central Visayas, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) initiated this operation in response to concerns from the Indonesian Embassy regarding the welfare of eight nationals.
According to "Asian Gaming Insider," these agencies converged at the Tourist Garden Hotel in Barangay Agus. Although the hotel appears to be a leisure resort with restaurants, bars, small shops, and a swimming pool, it was actually a hub for illegal activities. During the operation, agents rescued 162 foreigners suspected of being involved in a scam farm, including 83 Chinese, 70 Indonesians, 2 Taiwanese, 6 Burmese, and 1 Malaysian.
Legal and Humanitarian Measures:
As reported by the Philippine News Agency, Renan Oliva, the regional director of the NBI's 7th district, emphasized the legal and humanitarian aspects of the operation. Oliva explained that initial suspicions of immigration law violations quickly expanded to involvement in fraud, prompting a thorough investigation into the identities and activities of all persons rescued during the raid. Additionally, some Filipino women, including a minor, were also rescued and placed under the care of the social welfare office.
Oliva added, "The first violation was immigration law, but it appears they were involved in fraud. Therefore, we are verifying the identities of every foreigner, including those rescued during the raid."
Oliva also noted a concerning trend: personnel related to Philippine gaming operators previously raided in Luzon seem to be moving to Cebu to continue their illegal activities, indicating a migration pattern to evade law enforcement.
In recent months, attention to POGOs has significantly increased, especially after President Ferdinand Marcos announced a complete ban on the industry starting January 1, 2025. Under this new regulation, no new internet gambling licenses (IGL), previously known as POGO, will be issued, and all existing licenses must be phased out by the end of the year. The government's firm stance reflects its commitment to eliminating related criminal activities and protecting the economic and social health of the region.
