The Philippine government continues to intensify its crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and Internet Gambling License holders (IGL). Following the presidential directive and instructions from Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has fully launched a nationwide law enforcement operation against economic crimes, human trafficking, and illegal gambling operations.
On March 19, 2025, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Committee (PAOCC) in collaboration with CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) and CIDG Southern Office, along with local police departments, raided the 21st floor of the Yuchengco Tower at RCBC Plaza in Makati City, targeting Flying Future Services, Inc. A total of 131 suspects were arrested, including 96 foreigners. The operation was initiated based on an arrest warrant for a robbery case, but during the process, a foreigner reported to the law enforcement officers that the company was involved in illegal online gambling activities.
The law enforcement team immediately launched an investigation and confirmed the presence of unauthorized online casino operations involving both Filipino citizens and foreigners. The police then took action, seizing multiple electronic devices and documents, confirming their use in illegal gambling activities.
Among the 96 arrested foreigners, there were 58 Chinese nationals, 8 Japanese, 12 Taiwanese, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Mongolian, 1 citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1 Brazilian, and 13 Malaysians. They are suspected of involvement in human trafficking, illegal gambling, cybercrime, and violations of Philippine immigration laws.
CIDG Director Nicolas D. Torre III revealed that this operation specifically targeted three core suspects, who are:
Gug—Head of Intech World Company
Layson—Head of Omniach Company
Younger—Head of Urban Ideas
All three companies are subsidiaries of Flying Future Services, Inc., which, although ostensibly software development firms, are actually engaged in illegal POGO operations.
The nationality distribution of the arrested 96 foreigners is as follows:
Mainland China: 58
Japan: 8
Taiwan: 12
Vietnam: 2
Mongolia: 1
Saint Kitts and Nevis: 1
Brazil: 1
Malaysia: 13
The arrested suspects are currently facing the following criminal charges:
Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208)—involving illegal recruitment and exploitation of labor
Illegal Gambling Decree (PD 1602)—involving unauthorized gambling activities
Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175)—involving online fraud and other cybercrimes
All arrested suspects are temporarily detained at the CIDG Southern Office, while other foreign nationals are being identified by PAOCC for further investigation.
The Philippine government continues to intensify its efforts against illegal POGO and IGL operations, and strengthens interdepartmental cooperation under Administrative Order No. 74 to eradicate groups involved in human trafficking and economic crimes. CIDG commits to taking decisive actions against all illegal gambling operations and related criminal activities.
"Rest assured, CIDG will not hesitate to strike against all individuals and groups involved in crimes, whether they are local or foreign nationals, especially those involved in human trafficking and illegal POGO operations," stated CIDG Director Torre III.
He also calls on the public to actively report suspicious activities and emphasizes that CIDG will strictly keep all reported information confidential to ensure the efficient progress of law enforcement actions.
