Winston Casio has been relieved for allegedly slapping a worker of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) . Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has relieved spokesperson Winston Casio. The former Spox is under administrative investigation for his supposed mistreatment of a Filipino national during a raid at a POGO hub in Bagac, Bataan. Footage of the incident made rounds on social media, while PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz ordered Casio to explain the incident in writing within 24 hours. “Furthermore, you are hereby relieved of your responsibilities as spokesperson for PAOCC effective immediately and until the completion of this investigation,” the memo said, as reported by ABS-CBN News. The video showed Winston Casio for slapping a POGO worker who was cursing and raising the middle finger at government officials in the middle of the Bataan raid last October 31, 2024. The POGO and scam hub was allegedly fronting as a business process outsourcing company in Central One in Bagac, Bataan. “I was not able to control myself sa ginawa sa bata at sa kaibigan ko na parang ate ang turing ko (I was not able to control myself for what he did to my underling, and a friend who I consider my sister.)” Casio said about the slapping incident. “Pero I will man up. I am willing to face the music po. Pinapili ko siya mag file kami ng unjust vexation or sampalin ko siya. Pinili niya latter. Pero mali pa rin sirs and maam. So I will face the consequences (I made him choose if we will file unjust vexation charges against him or if I should slap him. He chose the latter. But sirs and maams, it’s still inappropriate. So I will face the consecquences.)”

PNP Chief Rommel Marbil vows to eliminate all POGOs nationwide by the end of 2024. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Marbil has committed to eliminating all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) across the country by the end of the current year. Marbil pledged to intensify police efforts to shut down POGO operations, which are linked to crimes such as torture , human trafficking, cyber fraud, and various illegal activities, as reported by Malaya Business Insight. “We have two months to go to clear the country of these illegal POGOs,” Marbil told reporters. The PNP will work closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to enforce stringent measures, including heightened surveillance, crackdown operations, and administrative penalties on non-compliant entities. “This operation not only exposes the vast reach of illegal POGO activities but also reinforces the unwavering resolve of law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks, uphold public safety, and preserve the rule of law in every sector of cyber enforcement,” he said, as reported by the Inquirer. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement during his 2023 State of the Nation Address, where he ordered the removal of POGOs  due to their detrimental impact on the country’s social order and security. The President underscored the need to counteract the negative social and economic effects POGOs have introduced, echoing calls from various sectors to prioritize citizen safety and well-being over the revenue generated by these operations. The PNP’s commitment reflects growing public and government pressure to address POGOs’ involvement in organized crime. PNP Chief Marbil reiterated his resolve to eradicate these operations entirely by December, emphasizing that any remaining establishments will be strictly sanctioned to safeguard communities across the Philippines.

Licenses issued by freeport and economic zones remain in a gray area, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr . has yet to issue a direct order.  President Marcos has yet to sign an executive order regarding his directive to shut down all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators  (POGOs) by the end of the year. Rappler’s article indicated that multiple sources have confirmed this, following the recent raid in the Central One Bataan Inc . in Bagac town on October 31, 2024. Central One is situated within the Bataan Freeport, highlighting the misuse of freeport use for offshore gaming. The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) argued that Central One does not need to secure a permit from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). “This raid is tangible proof that some investment promotion areas are being abused to allow offshore gaming activities that are bordering on scamming activities,” Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio was quoted as saying in the Rappler report. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said however that no EOs are “necessary” to press on with operations against POGOs in the said areas. The structure allows these zones to function semi-independently, yet also poses challenges for centralized government regulation and oversight, especially concerning gambling and potentially illegal activities. Economic zones and freeports in the Philippines enjoy a degree of autonomy to foster investment and economic growth within specific areas, often through special regulatory frameworks. This autonomy allows them to issue licenses, including those for offshore gaming operations, under unique charters tailored to attract foreign businesses and offer them favorable conditions, like tax incentives and flexible regulatory oversight.

PAOCC distanced itself from a flawed police raid on POGOs at Century Peak Tower, Manila, citing concerns over foreign suspects being released during the operation.  The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) distanced itself from a police operation targeting Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) at Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila. PAOCC officials labeled the operation as “flawed,” citing reports of foreign suspects being released. On October 29, 2024, just two days before another major operation in Bataan , the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided a suspected POGO hub located in Ermita, Manila. This raid, conducted by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), uncovered alleged involvement in illegal online gambling and cryptocurrency scams. The PAOCC has distanced itself from the operation, asserting that it was neither consulted nor informed prior to the raid. They condemned the subsequent release of 69 foreign nationals, which occurred due to legal constraints imposed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), leading the PAOCC to label the operation as “flawed.” “The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission was not part of the raid that was spearheaded by the PNP NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) and the PNP ACG. We were never consulted nor informed regarding this operation. We never release any foreign nationals caught in POGOs. Please do not associate PAOCC with flawed operations,” said the PAOCC statement which was cited in a PNA report. The PAOCC also asserted that all of its operations are coordinated with the Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT) and the BI. They further clarified that they had not labeled the raided establishment as the “mother of all POGOs,” a description that had circulated in the media. In their defense, the PAOCC stressed their commitment to proper procedures and communication regarding operations against illegal activities. In the wake of these events, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna voiced her support for the directive issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., mandating the complete shutdown of all POGO operations by December 31 of this year. She emphasized the need for the Century Peak Tower hub to wind down its operations immediately, advising landlords to terminate leases and instructing displaced employees to seek assistance from Manila’s Public Employment Service Office. As investigations continued, it emerged that the Century Peak Tower hub was staffed by employees from previously closed POGO operations. The raids revealed that the suspects were allegedly engaged in various scams, including cryptocurrency and romance scams, leading to the confiscation of numerous devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and assorted SIM cards. Despite this evidence, the PNP found itself in a predicament when the BI refused to take custody of the apprehended foreign nationals, leading to their eventual release. The BI has claimed that the PNP did not provide the necessary documentation to facilitate the processing of the foreign nationals. This documentation is crucial for determining the identity of the detainees and assessing their potential status as victims of human trafficking. The BI criticized the PNP for withholding essential information, stating that without proper coordination, they were unable to perform their duties effectively. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil defended his officers, labeling the raid a success despite criticism from the PAOCC. Looking forward, Gen. Marbil has assured the public that the PNP will intensify operations against POGOs in the coming months. Following President Marcos’ directive in July to shut down all POGO operations due to their association with criminal activities, the PNP is preparing to file charges against those involved in the illegal operations uncovered in the recent raids, including the owner of the facility. As of now, the PAOCC has reported that there are still 111 illegal POGO hubs operating across the Philippines.

Authorities raided a  Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bataan posing as a BPO, allegedly involved in online sports betting scams.  Over 700 Filipinos were rescued during the raid of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) and scam hub allegedly fronting as a business process outsourcing company in Bagac, Bataan. The raid was held at the Centro Park compound in Bagac last October 31, 2024. Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) authorities conducted surveillance operations on Central One in Bataan after receiving information that they are doing human trafficking activities. Over 700 Filipinos were rescued while 42 foreigners were placed under police custody, according to a TV Patrol report. It took them until past midnight of November 1 to round up the employees. A separate report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer also detailed that they received reports of online sports betting scams being operated in the company. The suspected Philippine offshore gaming operations  hub raided by authorities in Bataan on October 31 was reportedly engaged in human trafficking, scamming, and other illegal activities, a Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) official said Saturday. “Nakatanggap kami ng mga report, complaints galing sa mga Pilipino na di umano meron human trafficking activities sa ilang sections ng Central One Bataan at may mga scamming activities din. (We received complaints from Filipinos that there are allegedly human trafficking activities in some sections of Central One Bataan. There are also scamming activities as well),” said Casio. The warrants were issued on October 29. Casio said Capital One lacks a permit from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation  to operate. “Meron itong lisensya sa authority of freeport of Bataan bilang business process outsourcing, kaya lang ang kanilang activites goes beyond back office, ‘di lang ito customer service (They have a license as a business process outsourcing. However, their activities go beyond back office operations. This is not just about customer service),” Casio said. Casio also pointed out: “This is out of the ordinary; there seem to be indicators of black market banking. “We also saw them using a gaming platform we call Winbox. That Winbox gaming platform is banned in other countries because it is flagged down as [it is] used in so-called cryptocurrency investment scams.” Suspects are currently facing violations of the Anti-Trafficking and the Expanded Trafficking in Persons Acts. Although the raid led to the capture of the company’s top executives, the PAOCC official reported that five individuals—four Malaysians and one Thai national—are still at large and need to be located.

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.