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7 Vietnamese women rescued from “POGO-run prostitution den” in Pasay City. Seven Vietnamese women were rescued in Pasay City on October 22, 2024, during an anti-human trafficking operation targeting an alleged prostitution den. The women, all in their 20s, were reportedly being coerced into providing sexual services for clients working in Philippine offshore gaming operators ( POGOs ), police said. The suspect, Zhao Xing, a 31-year-old Chinese national, was arrested during the operation conducted in a condo unit in Barangay 86, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer report. According to intelligence reports, the women were being exploited for prostitution, catering primarily to POGO workers. The victims were in the country on tourist visas, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), which carried out the raid. The suspect will be facing anti-trafficking raps. “The successful police operation resulted in the safe extraction of the seven Vietnamese nationals and the apprehension of the suspect, who will face charges under Republic Act No. 10364, the expanded anti-trafficking law,” said NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Sidney Sultan Hernia. The NCRPO’s Regional Intelligence Division, the Pasay City Social Welfare and Development Department, the Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, the Women and Children Protection Center, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and the Pasay City Police Station were all involved in the operation.

Plans to establish a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) hub in Quezon City were thwarted due to efforts of the local government.  Image Source:   DZBB Super Radyo Plans to establish a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) hub in Quezon City were thwarted due to efforts of the local government. This was done in collaboration with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation. This comes after the Quezon City local government announced that there is no place for POGOs in the city following a declaration of a total ban on “operation, application, and approval of permits to operate.” According to an Abante report, one of the areas being monitored in Quezon City is Novaliches due to alleged attempts to establish a POGO in the area. Officials of Quezon City are in the process of expanding Helpline 122, a hotline for citizens, especially concerning gambling issues. Based on reports received at the QC Helpline, a group led by Rose Lin is allegedly planning a POGO scam farm at the site of the former Uniwide Sales Warehouse in Barangay Gulod, but they were thwarted. Rose Lin gained notoriety due to the Pharmally scandal during the COVID-19 pandemic involving overpriced face masks and face shields. The entrepreneur has not yet responded to the allegations. On October 7, 2024, Lin filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) to run for congresswoman in the fifth district of Quezon City. The QC LGU pointed out that even before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a total ban  on POGOs nationwide, there was already a policy in the city prohibiting POGOs. This policy is the Anti-POGO Ordinance of Quezon City (SP No. 3297). The ordinance was created due to the rise of criminal activities in areas with POGOs, such as money laundering, online scams, human trafficking, and other crimes affecting the morality and peace of communities. The QC government also highlighted the success of the Quezon City Birth Registration Online. Thanks to this system, individuals like Alice Guo, who pretended to be Filipino using a fake birth certificate, are now even less welcome in the city.

The House quad committee will summon banks, AMLC, and PAOCC to its next hearing to investigate substantial fund flows linked to the probe into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The House of Representatives’ quad committee plans to summon several banks, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to its next hearing to investigate a large flow of funds linked to the ongoing probe into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). ANCHOR POGOS TO: Committee co-chairman, Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante mentioned that while the committee wants Philippine banks and the AMLC to attend, some banks are already resisting the invitation, citing bank secrecy laws through their umbrella group, the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), according to a report by the Philippine Star. Abante pointed out that while only 43 POGOs are legally operating, an estimated 400 exist, many hidden in provinces and gated communities. He criticized the previous Duterte administration’s policy of allowing POGOs to operate in special economic zones, bypassing centralized visa control by the Department of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized the need to look into suspicious fund movements tied to individuals under investigation, especially noting the significant influx of POGO-related funds, with an estimated ₱8 billion identified so far. The committee also noted unusual stock market activity, suggesting POGO funds may be funneled through this route as the government moves to shut down legal POGO operations by December. Abante also raised concerns about illegal Chinese immigrants obtaining legal status through fraudulent birth certificates, particularly in Mindanao. He intends to summon the PAOCC to the next hearing to address this issue. The lawmaker argues that the country should not rely on gambling for economic growth, citing examples like the UAE and Malaysia, which thrive without it. Instead, he suggests focusing on the country’s untapped energy and mineral resources, including oil in the West Philippine Sea and natural gas in the Liguasan Marsh in Mindanao. He called on the nation’s billionaires to invest in energy exploration, envisioning the Philippines as the next Dubai. “We do not need gambling in this country for this nation to be economically developed. Malaysia has no gambling. UAE has no gambling, almost all countries in the Middle East,” stated Abante. The Manila representative plans to introduce a minimum of ten bills following the quad committee hearings. Among these proposals is a total ban on all types of gambling, including online gambling. He expressed concern that past efforts to regulate gambling have often resulted in loopholes, citing how illegal jueteng evolved into the small-town lottery.

Over 5,000 arrested as INTERPOL launched a global sting against illegal football bets, targeting regions including Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. More than 5,000 were arrested as the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) conducted a major international sting operation worldwide targeting illegal football Bets. This included some countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. In a statement published on their website October 17, 2024, Interpol said the operation (code-named SOGA X) recovered more than $59 million “in illicit proceeds” in operations across Asia-Pacific and in Europe. Interpol dismantled a scam centre operating alongside a licensed gambling site in the Philippines, rescuing more than 650 human trafficking victims of which includes 400 Filipinos and 250 foreign nationals “from six different countries.” “Many of the victims had been lured to the location with false promises of employment and were kept there through threats, intimidation, and even passport confiscation. They were then forced into working for the legal gambling site, while also running illegal cyber scams, including romance scams and cryptocurrency-related fraud,” Interpol said in a statement. Philippine authorities aided in the INTERPOL operation. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, authorities dismantled a “sophisticated gambling ring” which generated $800,000. Vietnam prohibits online gambling for citizens. “The syndicate, powered by servers located in multiple countries, used an elaborate network of bank accounts and e-wallets to receive illegal gambling bets and distribute payouts,” Interpol said. Authorities also raided 2 areas hosting major illegal betting websites in Thailand. The operation also went through in Greece, Cyprus, and Spain, where it was found that they were operating some 3,000 fake and “mule” user accounts on legal gambling websites, adding that they used stolen cards, forged documents and e-wallets to conduct activities. “The goal of this type of scheme is to break down large sums of money into smaller, less detectable amounts. By dispersing their profits across multiple accounts, criminals aim to avoid detection by law enforcement, financial institutions and legitimate gambling sites. It’s a method also used to facilitate money laundering,” Interpol said. For Interpol, illegal gambling is often linked to match-fixing, as criminals seek to manipulate the outcomes of sports events to secure profits.

The Solicitor General was urged to investigate alleged fraudulent land purchases by Chinese nationals, fearing funds may have been laundered through POGOs. The Office of the Solicitor General was urged to investigate alleged fraudulent land ownerships by Chinese nationals in the Philippines, out of fear that the funds used to purchase these may have been funneled through POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) as part of money-laundering schemes. Quadcomm Committee chair Ace Barbers made this suggestion during a session last Monday, October 21, 2024, with lawmakers urging the OSG to investigate these fraudulent transactions in light of growing concerns over illegal offshore scam hubs and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s running order to have all illegal POGOs removed by the end of the year. Barbers stated that the quad committee is currently investigating whether the funds used for land purchases in the country were part of a money laundering scheme linked to POGOs, noting that the source of the funds remains unidentified. “A lot has been discovered. Chinese nationals purchased huge tracts of land and we know that the Constitution prohibits foreign nationals from acquiring 100-percent ownership of our lands and putting up corporations,” Barbers was quoted as saying in a report published by the Daily Tribune. During a session on Monday, October 21, the House Quad Committee alleged that these individuals used fraudulent Filipino birth certificates, obtained from the Philippine Statistics Authority ( PSA ) or local civil registrars, to acquire land and establish businesses in the country. These documents were submitted to the OSG during the session. Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, co-chair of the Quadcom, revealed that land in Pampanga amounting to thousands of hectares is largely controlled by Chinese-owned companies. Two Chinese individuals, Aedy Tai Yang and Willie Ong, were accused of involvement in questionable land transactions in Mexico town, Pampanga. Documents submitted to the OSG showed the link of Sunflare Industrial Supply Corp and Empire 999 Realty Corporation to Chinese nationals involved in property sales. Yang’s birth certificate, marriage certificate, and tax declarations were handed over for further investigation. Paduano also raised concerns about Yang’s possible ties to former Mexico, Pampanga Mayor Teddy Tumang, who faced corruption charges during his tenure. Barbers also highlighted highlighted that Empire 999 incorporator Willie Ong has 300 land titles registered under his name. Barbers noted that many Chinese nationals are using Filipino-Chinese citizens as legal fronts for their businesses to circumvent the country’s laws on foreign ownership. The Philippine Constitution restricts foreign ownership in specific industries, allowing foreigners to own only up to 40% of certain corporations. At least 60% if a corporation’s capital must be owned by Filipino citizens, according to Article XII, Sec. 2 of the Philippine charter. The committee urged the OSG to expedite legal actions, such as civil forfeiture and asset preservation, to address the fraudulent acquisitions. Assistant Solicitor General Hermes Ocampo confirmed that the OSG would review the documents and determine whether the properties remain under Chinese ownership or have been transferred to qualified Filipino entities PSA guidelines for late birth certificate registrations and calling for stricter measures to prevent the issuance of fake citizenship documents are also being evaluated. Santa Rosa Lone District Rep. Dan Fernandez emphasized the need for stricter birth certificate requirements to prevent exploitation by Chinese nationals, while the House Quad Committee recommended that the OSG collaborate with various government agencies, including the Department of Justice and PSA, in its investigation.

A Chinese national kidnapped in Bulacan is linked to POGO hubs, the PNP reported Monday, spotlighting crime concerns in the Philippines' gaming industry. A Chinese national kidnapped while fishing in Bulacan province has been identified as being connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs, according to a statement from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday. The 33-year-old victim’s case highlights ongoing concerns regarding crime associated with the gaming industry in the Philippines. Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the PNP spokesperson, provided details during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City. She indicated that the investigation is focused on verifying whether the victim’s companions were involved in POGO operations. “He was identified as connected to POGOs. We are trying to verify if his companions are associated or at least involved in POGO operations,” Fajardo was quoted as saying in a PNA report. The case has been handed over to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), which specializes in dealing with abductions. According to Fajardo, the victim’s family paid a ransom of PHP 5 million via cryptocurrency in an attempt to secure his release. However, she noted that this payment presented challenges for the authorities. “The payment was done outside of Philippine jurisdiction. We are now coordinating with our foreign counterparts to trace where this ransom, paid in two tranches, ended up,” Fajardo explained. Despite the ransom payment, the victim was not released. This raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of such payments in securing the freedom of abductees, especially in cases linked to organized crime. The victim was fishing along the Angat River in Bustos town around 1 a.m. Sunday when four men approached him, claiming to be “persons in authority.” The suspects forcibly took him and fled the scene using a by-pass road in Barangay Bonga Menor. Approximately four hours later, the victim’s live-in partner, 28 years old, reported the abduction to local police. The urgency of her report underscored the distressing situation. According to a message from the victim’s cousin, the abductors initially demanded a ransom of US$300,000. Initial investigations have revealed that the victim had financial issues, being indebted to a certain Yuzhi Wang for P15 million. This debt could be a potential motive behind the kidnapping, suggesting that financial disputes linked to POGO operations may be at play. The victim has a history of abduction; he was previously abducted in Clark, Pampanga, in 2020 and paid a ransom of P1 million ($17,000). The ongoing situation sheds light on the broader implications of POGO operations in the Philippines. These gaming hubs have been associated with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, extortion, and money laundering.

Data from Korea’s National Gambling Control Commission shows that illegal online gambling cases nearly tripled since 2019. Data from the National Gambling Control Commission of Korea reveals that cases of illegal online gambling have nearly tripled since 2019, reaching a staggering 39,082 reports in 2023. This sharp rise has raised alarms among authorities and mental health professionals alike, prompting a closer examination of the underlying causes and implications. The statistics reflect a broader trend: surveillance of illegal gambling activities has also surged. In 2023, the number of surveillance operations jumped to 48,648, up from 16,662 just four years earlier. This means that illegal online gambling now accounts for a remarkable 80.3% of all gambling-related surveillance activities conducted nationwide. The trend is not only alarming but indicative of a growing public health crisis linked to gambling addiction. The current figures, which were based on government data as reported by the Korea Times, suggest that the problem is far from over. So far this year, 32,309 instances of illegal gambling have been reported. This includes 11,962 cases of illegal sports betting, 17,733 illegal casinos, and 9,507 unauthorized online gambling sites. The rapid proliferation of these illegal platforms poses serious risks to individuals and society as a whole. The financial implications of illegal gambling are staggering. Over the past five years, it has generated more than KRW 102.7 trillion (approximately US$75 billion), marking a 26% increase from the previous five-year period leading up to 2019. This growth not only enriches illegal operators but also undermines legitimate businesses and public finances. Moreover, the issue of gambling addiction has become increasingly urgent. More than 100,000 individuals have sought treatment for gambling-related problems, with a concerning 7,880 of these being teenagers. The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service has reported a steep rise in gambling addiction among adolescents under 19, with cases increasing from just 27 in 2015 to 181 this year. This sharp uptick indicates a troubling trend that could have long-lasting consequences for the younger generation. One establishment directly affected by the rise of illegal gambling is Kangwon Land, the only casino in South Korea where locals are allowed to gamble. In a recent presentation, Kangwon Land officials noted that the increase in illegal online gambling has significantly impacted the casino’s performance in the post-COVID era. Many individuals now prefer to gamble online rather than travel to the remote location in Gangwon Province, leading to a noticeable decline in visitor numbers and revenue.

Authorities are investigating the murder of a Chinese national at a hotpot restaurant in Makati City, possibly linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Authorities are exploring the possibility that the murder of a Chinese citizen at a hotpot restaurant in Makati City is linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The suspects, identified as “Zi An” and “Bao Long,” were suspected to have shot the Chinese citizen on October 17, 2024. Village authorities suspect that POGOs are involved because the hotpot restaurant was near a POGO hub in the community. “Hindi ako masyadong aware [na may ganung kainan]. Nagulat ako. Atlhough talagang legit naman. Kasi may permit ang city hall,” Barangay Captain Kap. Resty Cajes said in an ABS-CBN News report. (“I wasn’t really aware [that there was such a restaurant]. I was surprised. Although it’s really legit. Because the city hall has a permit),” Barangay Captain Kap. Resty Cajes said in an ABS-CBN News report. CCTV footage of the incident was able to catch the plate number of the getaway vehicle. The Chinese Embassy in Manila wants a swift resolution to the shooting incident. “The Embassy encourages the Philippine authorities to intensify efforts to swiftly apprehend the perpetrator and ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and their property in the Philippines,” the embassy said in a statement, as quoted by Malaya. “On top of that, the Embassy is also providing consular assistance to and advances necessary post-incident arrangements for the family of the deceased Chinese citizen,” it added.

The Philippines' Bureau of Immigration reports that only 12,000 out of 30,000 foreign POGO workers downgraded their visas before the October 15 deadline, allowing them to stay temporarily. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines has reported a significant shift in the status of foreign workers within the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) sector. Out of over 30,000 foreign employees registered under POGOs, only about 12,000 have opted to downgrade their work visas to temporary visitor visas. This voluntary downgrade allows these individuals to legally remain in the country for up to 59 days, giving them time to wrap up their affairs. The deadline for this voluntary visa downgrade was set for October 15, and the government has made it clear that no extensions will be granted. This marks a pivotal moment in the government’s efforts to regulate the POGO industry, which has come under scrutiny for various reasons, including concerns over illegal employment practices and the impact on local communities. “Because of the closure of the big [POGO] companies, there are lots of employees that formed smaller backyard online gaming scan hubs located in resorts or residential areas, among other places that are not noticeable. That’s the focus of our operations now. We are confident that we will be able to arrest more by December 31,” Immigration spokesman Dana Sandoval was quoted as saying in a report published by the Manila Times. With the deadline now past, the BI, in collaboration with other government agencies, is preparing to intensify its enforcement actions against foreign workers who have not complied with the visa regulations. Many of these non-compliant workers are believed to be operating in smaller, less conspicuous online gaming hubs, which often are located in resorts or residential areas. These operations have evaded previous scrutiny, making them a prime target for the government’s renewed efforts. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the BI’s announcement that it aims to take decisive action by December 31. Foreign workers who continue to operate without proper documentation will face arrest and deportation proceedings. This firm stance is part of a broader strategy to bring the POGO sector into compliance with national laws and regulations. In response to the challenges posed by non-compliant foreign workers, the Philippine government has established a task force that includes various agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. This coordinated effort highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring that remaining POGO workers either regularize their status or exit the country. The move to enforce visa regulations follows years of rapid growth in the POGO sector, which has attracted a large number of foreign workers, particularly from China. The industry has faced increasing scrutiny due to its association with illegal gambling operations and concerns about crimes such as torture  allegedly committed in POGO hubs.

Chavit Singson, former Ilocos Sur Governor, argues that instead of a POGO ban, the government should focus on tightening regulations to better control the industry. Chavit Singson emphasized the significant loss in government revenue due to the POGO ban, stating that it negatively impacted the government’s income, though without providing specific figures. “POGO should not have been banned. It should have just been taxed. Increase the tax of POGOs because they would just transfer [operations] or hide [from authorities],” he was quoted as saying in an Inquirer report. He added: “We lost a huge amount of income. Many lost their jobs. It should have just been amended… Why are we banning it if the government receives a huge income from it?” In contrast, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto mentioned that despite the ban, the government met its revenue targets in the first half of 2024. Recto highlighted that the ban did not hinder overall revenue collection. Rep. Joey Salceda, of Albay’s 2nd District, stated that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. ( PAGCOR ) had modernized its regulations, improving revenue collection while reducing the number of licensees. Currently, PAGCOR has issued 38 regular licenses and seven provisional ones for internet gaming. This comes after President Ferdinand Marcos announced that there will be a ban on POGOs  during his State of the Nation Address. Following this, authorities have been cracking down on POGO facilities inside and outside of Metro Manila, while uncovering supposed illegal practices such as kidnapping and human trafficking, with the apparent involvement of local government officials. The Bureau of Immigration has given foreign POGO workers until October 15, 2024, to downgrade their work visas to temporary visitor visas, allowing them to remain legally in the Philippines for a short period to settle their affairs.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) calls on PAGCOR to help return foreign workers of closed POGOs to their home countries amid the crackdown. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), overseeing operations against Closed POGOs, is urging the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to assist in repatriating foreign workers from discontinued POGOs to their home countries. “Kami ay nananawagan, sa pakikipagtulungan ng ibang mga ahensya, lalo na sa regulatory authority ng PAGCOR, dapat kalampagin nila itong mga ito na umalis na ngayon. Bakit po? Kapag hindi umalis ang mga iyan ngayon, ang marami sa mga ‘yan ay naghahanap ng paraan paano makapag-underground at maging mga iligal,”   PAOCC  spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview aired on October 20, 2024. (We are calling on PAGCOR to persistently remind POGOs to leave as soon as possible. Why? Because if they do not leave, a lot of them will look for ways to operate underground and illegally.) “So yun ang problema, habang pinatatagal po natin ang mga iyan, ay nakakahanap ng paraan ang mga ‘yan para manatili pa rin sa bansa natin. There are so many regulatory loopholes as far is gambling is concerned kaya nagmamakaawa ho kami para masunod natin yung direktiba ng Pangulo na mapaalis na ito nang tuluyan,” he added. (That’s the problem – while we are allowing them to stay longer, they will find ways to stay longer here. There are so many regulatory loopholes as far as gambling is concerned so we are asking them for help so that we can follow the President’s directive to entirely remove POGOs.) At the time of the report, first done by GMA News Online, PAOCC said 34 POGOs have been continuing their operations. Immigration authorities previously around 12,000 foreign workers of POGOs have applied to downgrade their visas, following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ directive of banning all POGOs   during his State of the Nation Address. Since the crackdown, the National Bureau of Investigation shared some POGOs are trying to splinter and set up operations in residential areas. Some government officials have also been implicated in the operations and the regulations on POGOs. Authorities are also looking at the possibility of POGO funds being linked to the drug war “reward system” which was allegedly implemented during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Around 5,000 Cavite residents may lose jobs as the Kawit POGO hub faces closure, says Kawit Mayor Angelo Aguinaldo. “With the closure of the POGO hub in Kawit, more or less 5,000 to 7,000 people will lose their jobs,” Aguinaldo shared in Filipino. The POGO hub, which operates inside Island Cove, is one of the largest taxpayers and employee-generating businesses, Aguinaldo said. Authorities have now issued an office closure to the four internet gaming licensees (IGL) contained in the compound, while the POGO hub is currently trying to comply before the December 15 deadline set by newly-installed Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. “That will be the first one to be closed. And correction, it’s not ours. It was our property, but it’s not ours today. That will be the first one to close, just to show a proof of sincerity that I will start with my province and make sure that it is closed,” Remulla said in a media interview in Pasay City. “They inquired for the closure of their business. Hopefully, next week they start submitting the LGU’s requests for these,” Aguinaldo said. POGO Crackdown Across PH In Tagaytay City, National Bureau of Investigation officials arrested 17 Chinese nationals were arrested at a resort operating as a POGO in Barangay Francisco. The NBI Cybercrime Division received a tip from a Chinese national that a fellow foreigner was being tortured. The rescued victim was beaten up and electrocuted as he wanted to escape from a group of scammers, according to an Abante Tonite report. Meanwhile, Cagayan De Oro authorities have started the inspection of storage houses and other areas suspected of operating POGOs. This is after PAOCC’s revelation that some POGO operators are still active, splintering themselves to smaller groups and headquartering in smaller buildings.