Recently, the Philippine government has significantly increased its efforts to combat illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), launching raids on three illegal operators within just 10 days and arresting hundreds of individuals involved, most of whom are foreign nationals from China.
This series of actions not only demonstrates the Philippines' "zero tolerance" attitude towards illegal POGO activities but also showcases the current government's efficiency and determination in eradicating the illegal gambling industry within the country.
First Action: Parañaque City (January 8)
On January 8, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, in collaboration with multiple departments, conducted a large-scale raid in a building in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, arresting about 400 foreign nationals, most of whom were Chinese citizens. These individuals were suspected of committing fraud against overseas victims through online platforms.
The police seized a large amount of equipment used in the crimes, including computers, mobile phones, and account books, noting that the operation was highly similar to illegal POGO activities.
The spokesperson for the Bureau of Immigration, Dana Sandoval, stated that the arrested individuals are currently undergoing identity verification and registration processes, and will subsequently be detained and subjected to deportation procedures. Relevant government departments are collaborating fully to expedite the review and deportation processes, ensuring that offenders are held accountable under the law.
Second Action: Silang City, Camarines Sur Province (January 12)
Just a few days later, the Philippine police launched another raid against illegal POGOs in Silang City, Camarines Sur Province. This operation was led by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), in cooperation with the Bureau of Immigration and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
The raid targeted a private resort where the suspects were hiding and conducting illegal online gambling and fraud activities. Ultimately, the police arrested 29 foreign nationals, including 6 from Myanmar and 23 from mainland China.
The suspects primarily used cryptocurrencies to carry out cross-border internet fraud, linked to previously shut down large offshore gambling platforms.
Investigations revealed that the illegal institution rented the entire resort for 800,000 pesos (approximately 100,000 RMB) per month to cover up its unlawful activities.
To avoid detection, they used laptops instead of desktop computers, and each person had their own mobile WiFi instead of a shared router. Authorities are further tracking the masterminds behind this institution.
Third Action: Aseana City, Parañaque (January 17)
On the evening of January 17, the Philippine police once again conducted a raid on an illegal gambling center in Manila. During the operation, the Bureau of Immigration arrested 20 Chinese, 11 Malaysians, and 1 Cambodian, and seized a batch of network equipment, forged documents, and financial ledgers.
This raid specifically targeted a form of crime known as "mini POGO," which operates by dispersing multiple small locations to evade regulatory crackdowns.
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz commented on the operation: "These illegal organizations disguise themselves as legitimate businesses, but in reality, they engage in serious transnational criminal activities that harm society. We are taking stricter measures to hold the responsible individuals and local government officials accountable."
The 32 foreigners will be temporarily detained by the NBI and will continue to undergo deportation procedures by the Bureau of Immigration.
Behind the Scenes: The Responsibility of Local Officials
Following the action on the 8th, the Minister of Interior immediately demanded an explanation from the Parañaque City government regarding the presence of an illegal POGO center in Barangay Tambo. He also ordered all mayors to submit a monthly report detailing whether their cities or municipal authorities have POGO operations.
According to investigations by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the long-term existence of these illegal POGO activities is largely due to the tacit approval or lax supervision by local governments. Some officials have even been sued for negligence or involvement in the profit chain.
PAOCC clearly stated that local officials cannot use "ignorance" as an excuse, as these companies cannot be established and operated quickly. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has demanded that local governments strictly perform their duties, submitting regular monthly reports on whether there are suspected illegal POGOs in their jurisdictions. If local officials fail to fulfill their responsibilities, they will face disciplinary action or even legal prosecution.
The Minister of Interior also recently issued a stern warning to all local government officials nationwide, demanding a thorough eradication of the remnants of online gambling (POGO) in their jurisdictions, or else they will face disciplinary action or legal accountability.
He warned: "All local officials must diligently perform their duties, regularly inspect commercial premises in their jurisdictions, and ensure that prohibited online gambling activities no longer exist. If we find that some officials are concealing information during inspections, they will be held accountable."
Behind the Efficiency Boost: Multiple Pressures Lead to Effective Crackdown
The continuous crackdown on 3 illegal POGOs within 10 days is a departure from the public's perception of "efficiency" in the Philippines.
Why has there been a significant improvement in the efficiency of the Philippines' crackdown on illegal POGOs recently?
1. Policy Pressure: Since announcing the prohibition of POGOs, the Philippine government has been pressuring local governments to strictly check for suspicious activities in their jurisdictions and report them. Local government officials face greater regulatory pressure. The Minister of Interior has repeatedly called on the mayor of Parañaque and other mayors to diligently perform their duties and clean up illegal POGO centers, or face legal consequences. Such serious warnings have made local officials more vigilant.
2. Anti-Fraud Wave in Southeast Asia: Following the exposure of the "Wang Xing Incident," several Southeast Asian countries have intensified their efforts to combat telecommunications fraud and illegal gambling. For example, Myanmar recently handed over 19 individuals suspected of telecommunications fraud to China, and Cambodia's Boao Park was also raided by hundreds of gendarmes yesterday, focusing on indiscriminate arrests and directly transporting them by bus.
The Philippines must also align with this trend to demonstrate its responsibility to the international community.
3. Public Opinion Pressure: Illegal POGOs not only pose serious security issues but also cause public dissatisfaction. Look at the recent state of tourism to Thailand, the numerous cases of people going missing along the Thai-Myanmar border, the frequent kidnappings in the Philippines, and the strong domestic stance along with close talks with neighboring countries. The high level of international attention to telecommunications fraud necessitates stronger crackdown measures, not only for social stability but also in response to public opinion.
Strong Stance: Eradicating Illegal POGOs
Not only the recent series of raids but also a string of recent events indicate that the Philippine government is adopting a "zero tolerance" policy, committed to completely eradicating illegal POGO activities. President Marcos has clearly stated that illegal POGOs not only endanger the safety of Philippine society but also affect the national image. It is foreseeable that the government will continue to intensify law enforcement efforts in the future, leaving almost no room for maneuver.
It is foreseeable that in the coming days, the Philippines' actions against illegal POGOs will continue to escalate, providing a clear answer to anyone still looking to exploit loopholes.
