On October 15th, as the date for proactive visa cancellation arrived, various companies switched strategies, either seeking livelihoods in other countries or breaking down into smaller units, transforming into guerrilla squads, and covertly operating in various resorts and apartments.
However, with only a little over two months left to clear out POGO, the Philippine government is also making a strong effort to eliminate these hidden small operations.
In June, several apartments around the Diamond Building began requiring the registration of foreign residents' information, in line with previous strict checks on foreigners by the legislative department, causing many to fear information leakage.
Entering October, it was evident that the pace of the Philippine government had accelerated.
From time to time, netizens would submit reports, saying that government officials had knocked on their apartment doors asking for registration, making them afraid to open the door.
When going out, there were also instances where they were asked to show their documents.
Even two guys who went out to fix their car and came back in the middle of the night were targeted by roadside police, almost getting taken away. It was only after HR negotiated a price that they were released.
The Philippine police also seized the opportunity to make money, threatening the guys that if they didn't have legal documents, they would have to go to jail. However, they were let off for the sake of the peso.
The most ridiculous part was that some Philippine drivers had learned this trick: raising the price mid-journey, take it or leave it? If not accepted, they would directly take you to the police station! This left the commuting netizens cursing, having to swallow the loss silently.
Of course, making extra money is one thing, work is another. The Philippine government has also reaped considerable benefits in about a month!
On October 3rd, Philippine authorities raided a suspected online fraud center, Analyzer Information Technologies Inc., arresting over 250 people, 190 of whom were Chinese.
On October 11th, an apartment in Makati was raided, and at that time, netizens reported that a group of Chinese were collaborating with the police, specifically targeting those working from home. Pay them, and you're off the hook; don't, and you're in for a performance boost. This also caused widespread panic.
Netizens also heard internal news that in the province of Bataan, residential upscale communities, hotels, or areas with many Chinese gatherings need to be cautious. The local police have begun searching these places. Even legally operating Chinese, if their visas are affiliated, could face problems. Mainly because the officials in this province do not want to be responsible for another raid, this large-scale search in Bataan province was led by the deputy governor.
Just a few days later, the guerrilla team hiding in the resort in Taytay was raided, capturing 17 Chinese.
A few who had just moved into an apartment in Makati were also raided due to a report.
On the 22nd, 8 who ran to Alabang to play guerrilla were captured.
On the 29th, unexpectedly, Asia Gardens was raided, and NBI arrested people in A3.
That same evening, another group in an apartment in Parañaque City playing guerrilla was captured, again 17 people.
Following that, the issues with New Dingcai, Yingtianxia, and Bagak had not subsided for a few days when last night, the apartment in Malate Blue Bay (ADMIRAL CONDO) was raided again! Another group of Chinese and Malaysians working from home were captured.
It is said that it was the 40th floor that was raided because of an insider. When the police came, they even brought a Malay translator.
Thinking back to the beginning, when preparing to play guerrilla, the major companies were full of ambition, determined to make a mark and to boost morale, they even distributed laptops right at the entrance of the administrative apartment building.
Looking at it now...
As the final deadline for the POGO ban approaches, and with the recent series of news about POGO big shots stirring up anti-Chinese sentiment, and with elections imminent, many places are actively clearing out for fear of being held accountable for POGO issues.
Moreover, playing guerrilla now, one fears insiders, and second, fears being reported by landlords. In the examples mentioned above, almost half were due to reports.
Back in the heyday of POGO, Chinese were welcomed everywhere, generous and open-handed, without so many troubles. Looking at it now, Philippine landlords are directly like: don't come! Be careful, I'll report you!
Would hiding in Thailand be better?
Thailand has also been strict recently!
But Thailand's approach is smarter, knowing that just catching small fries in the wild is useless, they need to catch the big fish as well, hence, in the past few days, there have been several news reports of the Thai government raiding Chinese mansions and offices!
For instance, on the 14th, Thai cyber police directly raided a Chinese boss's "proxy accounting supplier network". It is reported that this place was used to receive various forms of cybercrime money transfers, including call center scams and online gambling. They directly captured 9 people.
And at the end of last month, Thai police again conducted a surprise inspection, taking a search warrant to two Chinese mansions for a sudden search.
Moreover, this time, the Thai operation was a nationwide simultaneous search, totaling 10 locations, including Bangkok, Phatthalung, and Chonburi. There are several more cases like this.
It can only be said that Thailand is a bit easier than the Philippines, but it's not much better.
The fate of these guerrilla players is ultimately still being captured!
