General Rommel Mabil, the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has vowed to completely eliminate the Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the remaining months of 2024.
Mabil's statement was made after a raid on the Century Peak Tower in the Ermita district of Manila on Adriatico Street, a 40-story building known as the "mother of scam centers."
It is reported that the tower serves as a central hub for Pogo operations, involving hundreds of illegal activity participants, including 69 foreigners.
Mabil noted, "This operation has proven the dedication of our Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) personnel, who tirelessly pursue justice, exposing and dismantling significant criminal activities related to cyber scams, illegal gambling, and human trafficking."
He emphasized, "We now have only two months to clear the country of illegal gambling."
Last July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on online gambling during his State of the Nation Address and directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to cease all online gambling operations by the end of 2024.
On Sunday, the National Capital Region Police Office clarified that the offshore gambling raid in Manila was conducted by the Philippine National Police Anti-Organized Crime Group following the division of responsibilities with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in the October 29 operation. PAOCC stated that it did not participate in the raid and noted that the operation was "flawed" because some foreign suspects were released.
Mabil added, "The actions against cybercrime were solely carried out by the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, as these agencies possess the expertise required to combat such crimes."
He stated, "This operation not only revealed the extensive impact of illegal online gambling but also reinforced the law enforcement's firm resolve to destroy criminal networks and maintain public safety, highlighting the necessity of the rule of law in various sectors."
