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.

Authorities are looking into whether Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators' (POGOs) profits were used to pay reward money for Duterte's war on drugs. During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum held on October 16, 2024, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers cited Duterte’s previous pronouncement on his usage of intelligence funds for something, which may have come from the Office of the President or the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Barbers is the House Quad Committee panel chairperson. “Merong pronouncement dati ang dating pangulo na meron siyang pinaggagamitan sa kanyang intelligence funds (The former president had a pronouncement that he was using his intelligence funds for something). But again it’s really very hard to look into the full of disclosure of intelligence funds. We’ll probably look into disbursement of these funds and where the source might probably be, other than intelligence funds,” Barbers said, as quoted by an ABS-CBN News   interview. While this may be the case, Barbers, who was a long-time Duterte ally, added that he and other authorities will also explore fund sources outside government. “Ngayon dumami ang [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators], probably galing din sa POGO,” said Barbers. The quad commission is currently examining various concerns surrounding POGOs. Barbers noted that they have not yet uncovered evidence regarding the alleged sources of funding. “We’re actively investigating the origins of the funds because we want to thoroughly understand the issue of reward money,” he stated. He emphasized that although law enforcement agencies do have intelligence funds, these are primarily used to gather information on specific individuals. “There is no legal basis for the government to provide reward money for the kill,” he explained, clarifying that the rewards offered by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency are intended for informants, not law enforcement officers. “This is given, this is legal, this is budgeted every year for informants, assets that will give information for successful prosecution.” Rep. Dan Fernandez of Santa Rosa, Laguna, a co-chair of the quad commission, echoed similar sentiments regarding the investigation. Fernandez indicated that they would be examining the timeline of intelligence fund releases from the Office of the President beginning in 2016. During his administration, Duterte vocally backed the mounting of Philippine offshore gaming operations, which he claimed generated a vital amount of revenue for the Philippines. Retired Police Colonel Royina Garma served as general manager of state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office under former President Duterte. She previously testified during the panel’s inquiry that bounties for each killing in the war on drugs ranged from P20,000 to as much as P1 million. Garma also pinned Duterte as a “mastermind” in the drug-related killings. Garma is also being investigated for the assassination of former PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga. Garma’s testimony reinforced earlier claims made by Police Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido, highlighting the existence of a ‘quota and reward system’ during the Philippine War on Drugs under the Duterte administration.

The spy who accused Alice Guo of being a Chinese agent is now unreachable after being transferred to a new prison in Thailand. Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed this in a statement released on October 17, 2024. Hontiveros reported that the suspected spy named She Zhijiang, who was imprisoned in Thailand, could not be contacted. The Senator stressed that the government should urgently reach out to the prisoner. “We have learned from media sources that She — who is charged with illegally operating a casino — is currently unreachable and has been moved to a different prison facility,” Hontiveros said, as reported by ABS-CBN News . She made the allegation against Alice Guo whose real name is believed to be Guo Hua Ping during a documentary  released by media outfit Al Jazeera. “Kung hindi agarang kikilos ang pamahalaan, mawawalan tayo ng pagkakataon na pag-aralan ang impormasyon na hawak ni She, lalo na sa koneksyon ni Guo Hua Ping, at ng iba pang indibidwal, sa Ministry of State Security, o ang intelligence at secret police agency ng Tsina,” Hontiveros continued. “I am holding the Department of Foreign Affairs to its commitment during the latest Senate hearing that it is urgently exhausting all diplomatic and legal channels to allow Philippine officials, with permission by Thai authorities, to communicate with She.” Part of the documentary, which was presented during a Senate hearing last September 28, prompted her to lose cool as she scrambled to say she was not a spy as authorities claim. The dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor is also facing allegations of being linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.

Investigations link Alice Guo to Chinese crime gangs and cryptocurrency fraud in Philippine offshore gaming. Alice Guo’s business dealings have drawn attention due to her connections with Chinese gangs and key figures involved in organized crime. Her partners, including Huang Zhiyang and the couple Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying, are wanted fugitives with extensive criminal backgrounds. These individuals are linked to various illicit activities, such as crypto fraud in Hong Kong, scam farms in Cambodia, and money laundering in Singapore. The Network of Crime Rappler’s  investigation identified at least four persons of interest connected to Guo. Huang Zhiyang, a co-founder of Baofu Land Development Incorporated, has been implicated in multiple congressional investigations. He has also been linked to high-stakes financial scams. Guo’s business association with Huang began when the Philippines became a prime location for scam syndicates displaced from Cambodia and China. This shift occurred during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s  administration, which opened the doors to Chinese investments. Huang’s connections extend beyond Guo, involving a network that spans the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the United Kingdom. This criminal enterprise is suspected of trafficking victims, defrauding individuals through cryptocurrency scams, and laundering money derived from gambling activities. Huang Zhiyang was also a shareholder in the Sun Valley Clark Hub Corporation in Pampanga, which has been associated with multiple scams. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) revoked its POGO license in May 2023 after the facility was raided due to reports of human trafficking. Inside the Cryptocurrency Scam Operations The operational mechanics of these scams reveal a disturbing picture. Workers in these hubs are often coerced into assuming various false identities to attract victims, primarily through dating sites. They use photos of innocent individuals or models, crafting elaborate personas to manipulate potential victims. Scripts detailing their fabricated lives and activities are prepared in advance, allowing for a more convincing approach. It was discovered that workers are provided with scripts outlining various personas designed to ensnare victims in cryptocurrency scams. These scams primarily unfold on dating platforms, where the perpetrator uses images from either unsuspecting individuals with public social media profiles or models hired by the operation. Each worker has access to an Excel sheet filled with potential life stories—covering personal backgrounds or daily routines. In Sun Valley, the selection includes stock photos ranging from mundane images like a McFlurry to more engaging visuals, such as a financial literacy book, all ready to be sent to victims who inquire about the scammer’s activities. Alice Guo’s Connection to Huang Zhiyang Huang Zhiyang co-founded Baofu Land Development Incorporated alongside Guo on May 3, 2019. This company served as the lessor for two POGOs that were targeted in raids during 2023 and 2024, following the escape of trafficked and tortured victims who filed complaints. In the case of Guo, she claimed that her dealings with Huang were limited to supplying pork for his restaurants in Clark, Pampanga. During a May 22 session at the Senate, Guo said back then about Huang, “He has many restaurants, I was selling him pork. Our transactions were okay, he was kind.” She also remembered that he always brought her gifts from his travels. However, evidence suggests that Huang’s frequent travel and multiple passports were indicative of a broader criminal agenda. Huang, a native of Fujian, China, holds citizenships from several countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis, a known tax haven, and Cyprus, notorious for its lenient immigration policies. Legal Consequences and Investigations Guo’s connections have drawn the scrutiny of international agencies. All individuals linked to her, including Huang and Dingkai Wang, face serious allegations involving money laundering and other illegal activities. Wang, a naturalized Cambodian, is also connected to fraud in Cambodia and Hong Kong. Despite the evidence, questions remain about the legal proceedings against these individuals. Neither Huang nor Wang has been charged in connection with the trafficking and cybercrime indictments issued in May 2023. Guo, on the other hand, faces non-bailable charges of human trafficking, while her associates remain at large. The Philippine government is working to improve data-sharing practices with foreign governments to track these fugitives. Many of these individuals have been able to obtain visas and enter the Philippines without any indication of their criminal backgrounds, raising concerns about the country’s immigration policies. UNODC Report Highlights Casino Syndicates in the Philippines The Philippines has become a favored refuge for scam syndicates escaping intensified crackdowns in China and Cambodia. In March 2024, the PAOCC conducted a raid on the Bamban POGO Zun Yuan, uncovering six Chinese fugitives among the 201 Chinese nationals employed there. These individuals were able to secure visas to the Philippines because, as noted by the Bureau of Immigration, the application process lacked any checks on their criminal histories. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has highlighted the Philippines as a hotspot for criminal syndicates seeking refuge from crackdowns in their home countries. The country’s lack of a stringent regulatory framework for online gambling has made it an attractive destination for these groups. Reports indicate that the lack of enforcement in the gaming sector has facilitated the operations of various syndicates, which have increasingly relied on illicit activities. According to a January 2024 report by the UNODC, casino syndicates have “infiltrated” nations such as the Philippines due to the lack of a robust and enforceable regulatory framework for casino management and oversight. The connections between POGOs and the illegal drug trade further complicate the situation. Representative Ace Barbers, chairman of the House quad committee, noted that many POGOs are funded by proceeds from drug sales. He emphasized that these funds have been used to corrupt government officials, allowing criminals to operate with relative impunity.

Philippines lost P460B to scams in the past year, with text frauds topping the list. POGO scams operations continue to rise, according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA). According to Gasa’s study titled “The State of Scams in the Philippines 2024,” the estimated losses from scams equate to around 1.9 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. On average, each victim lost about $275, or roughly P16,000. The data reveals that nearly 39 percent of surveyed Filipinos reported having lost money to scammers. Disturbingly, only 3 percent of victims successfully recovered their funds, while 78 percent attempted but failed to do so. The study, conducted in partnership with antiscam service providers ScamAdviser and Whoscall, highlights a worrying trend. It found that 67 percent of respondents encountered scams at least once a month, with half of them noting an increase in scams over the past year. “Scams in the Philippines have reached an alarming level,” stated Aaron Chiou, product director at ScamAdviser. The Mechanics of Text Scams The vast majority of scams—approximately 85 percent—are executed through text messages, which have surged by 10 percent since 2023. These messages often lure unsuspecting individuals with enticing offers, such as fake job opportunities or lottery winnings. Victims are then directed to fraudulent websites where they unwittingly provide sensitive personal information, including bank account details and addresses. This information allows hackers to gain access to victims’ financial accounts, leading to significant monetary losses. The study emphasizes that many Filipinos fall prey to these scams due to attractive offers and a tendency to act hastily. Even those who harbor doubts about the legitimacy of the offers often choose to take the risk. Despite this, about 41 percent of respondents claimed they tried to verify the legitimacy of the links before clicking, particularly when the offers seemed too good to be true. The speed at which these scams operate is alarming. According to the study, 76 percent of scams are completed within 24 hours of initial contact with the victim. Approximately 67 percent of victims realize they have been scammed on their own, while others rely on confirmation from banks, telecom companies, or government agencies. The Connection to POGO Operations Interestingly, the surge in text scams has been linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which were banned  by President Ferdinand Marcos in July. “It is reasonable to think that some POGO scam operations might be behind domestic scam operations,” said Infrawatch PH convener Terry Ridon in an interview with the Inquirer. Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian previously noted a decline in scam messages following the crackdown on POGOs, further reinforcing suspicions about their involvement in illegal activities. “While there might have been a marked decline in text and online scam operations in the last few months, it has not completely stopped. It is more accurate to describe it as more of a pause, as spoofing and scamming operations continue despite the SIM (subscriber identity module) card registration law and the POGO crackdown,” Ridon explained. He pointed out that spoofing and other scam operations persist despite efforts like the SIM card registration law, aimed at removing the anonymity that allows these scams to flourish. In an attempt to combat these scams, the Philippine government has implemented measures such as the SIM card registration law. This law requires mobile users to register their SIM cards, effectively reducing anonymity and making it easier for authorities to track down scammers. However, experts warn that while these measures have had some effect, they have not eradicated the problem. Emerging Threats: AI and Cybercrime As technology evolves, so do the tactics used by scammers. Chiou raised concerns about the emerging threat posed by artificial intelligence in cybercrime. AI has the potential to enhance the sophistication of phishing attacks, making them more difficult to identify. A study by Forrester Consulting found that 51 percent of respondents in the Asia Pacific region agreed that AI could make phishing scams more effective. PLDT’s chief information security officer, Angel Redoble, echoed this sentiment, explaining that AI-generated emails are becoming increasingly polished and personalized. These emails mimic human writing styles, making it harder for recipients to discern their authenticity. To counter these threats, Chiou stressed the need for companies to invest in advanced scam detection technologies. He also urged telecommunications companies and banks to create more straightforward reporting mechanisms for scams, allowing victims to report incidents swiftly and effectively.

The PNP warns that aiding Harry Roque could lead to obstruction of justice charges as their manhunt intensifies in Mindanao. The Philippine National Police ( PNP ) will now concentrate its search for Harry Roque in Mindanao. The PNP announced this on October 17, 2024 after getting reports that Roque is hiding in the southern Philippines. The PNP had previously conducted manhunt operations in Central Luzon and Calabarzon but was unable to locate the former presidential spokesperson. According to P/Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, the spokesperson for the PNP, Roque was monitored in Mindanao during the first week of September. “That was September, first week of September, he was monitored somewhere in Mindanao…Even the Bureau of Immigration said na nandito lamang po siya sa Pilipinas,” Fajardo was quoted as saying in a GMA Network report. (He was monitored somewhere in Mindanao during the first week of September…Even the Bureau of Immigration said that he remains in the country.) Fajardo clarified that the manhunt is not limited to Davao City but will extend throughout the Mindanao region. “The manhunt is not only limited sa Davao City, lahat po ng areas ‘yan. Like I said we went, we searched sa Region 3, Calabarzon. Right now we’re focusing sa Mindanao po.” (The manhunt is not only limited to Davao City; it covers all areas. As I said, we searched in Region 3 and Calabarzon. Right now, we’re focusing on Mindanao.) Roque is currently under contempt and detention orders  issued by the House of Representatives Quad Committee. These orders stem from his alleged connections to the illegal activities  of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) in the country. The committee has raised concerns about his role in facilitating operations that have drawn scrutiny from law enforcement and regulatory bodies. The PNP speculated that Roque may be in Mindanao due to his connections in the Southern Philippines. “Si Atty. Harry Roque, I’m pretty sure mayroon siyang mga kaibigan, mga kakilala na possibly na mas komportable siyang humingi ng tulong,” Fajardo noted. (I’m pretty sure Attorney Harry Roque has friends and acquaintances who he might feel more comfortable asking for help.) The PNP has also issued a warning to those who may be harboring or aiding Roque. Fajardo stated that individuals found to be concealing him could face legal consequences. “We want to remind for those people na nagkakanlong po kay Atty. Roque na posible pong maharap kayo sa kaso for obstruction of justice for intentionally harboring a person being searched or being hunted by the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies po,” she said. (We want to remind those who are harboring Attorney Roque that you could face charges for obstruction of justice for intentionally harboring a person being searched for by the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies.) Despite his legal challenges, Harry Roque has remained active on social media. He continues to release statements and videos, maintaining a public presence even while evading authorities. In fact, on October 17, Harry uploaded a Facebook video titled “The Spox Hour Episode 329 October 17, 2024 Magpakatotoo ang mga tongressmen at kagutuman sa kabila ng ayuda — bakit?”

Graft charges were filed against Porac officials, including Mayor Capil and Vice Mayor Tamayo, over ties to an illegal POGO involved in criminal activities. According to a report aired on the October 15, 2024 episode of 24 Oras, the arrested individuals were found at their workstations engaged in various scams, including love scams and cryptocurrency fraud. The NBI’s Cybercrime Division Chief, Jeremy Lotoc, provided insights into how these scammers operate. “Pag nakakuha sila ng pool of information, magko-conduct sila ng background investigation kung sino ang target nila. Pag nakita nila yung pattern, yung character, yung hobby, yung daily activities at the same time yung longings ng kanilang victims, ie-engage nila through social engineering,” Lotoc explained. (When they obtain a pool of information, they conduct a background investigation to identify their target. When they see the pattern, character, hobbies, daily activities, and longings of their victims, they engage them through social engineering.) Lotoc further emphasized the sophistication of these operations, noting, “Merong hacker, merong buyer ng data. May nakita kaming program-coded script na pwede magamit to access other systems without the authority nor consent of the system owner we assume meron silang activity in terms of hacking.” (There are hackers and data buyers. We found a program-coded script that can be used to access other systems without the authority or consent of the system owner. We assume they have hacking activities.) The NBI has determined that the individuals arrested are linked to larger POGO companies. “Yung malalaking POGO, nag-group sila into smaller group, nag-o-occupy ng residential units, apartments, para hindi mahalata na POGO, yun pa rin. To continue their scamming activities,” stated NBI Director Jimmy Santiago. (The larger POGOs have grouped into smaller units and are occupying residential units and apartments to avoid detection. They continue their scamming activities.) In the aftermath of the raid, the NBI is now examining the confiscated computers to extract details about the victims. An inquest has already been conducted on those arrested, and they face charges related to online fraud as well as violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act. In a related development, Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval announced that more than 12,000 foreign POGO workers  from discontinued POGOs have applied to downgrade their working visas. These workers have been given a deadline of October 15 to convert their 9G visas into tourist visas. They must leave the Philippines by the end of the year if they do not wish to return to a working status. Sandoval explained the implications of this downgrade: “Foreign workers whose working visas have been downgraded will be reverted to having a temporary visitor status.” This policy reflects the government’s efforts to regulate the POGO industry, which has faced increasing scrutiny over its operations and the legality of its activities.

PAOCC is set to arrest four alleged Chinese and Malaysian-Chinese financiers of POGOs in the coming days, targeting key figures behind illegal gaming operations. During the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” briefing held on October 15, 2024, PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio provided updates on the ongoing investigations. He confirmed that the agency is closing in on these financiers and is in the process of developing solid cases against them. “Most of them are Chinese and we got a few who are Malaysian-Chinese. So, may lead po tayo (we have a lead),” he stated, indicating that the PAOCC has been monitoring these individuals for some time. Dr. Casio emphasized that the evidence gathered against the financiers is robust, suggesting that law enforcement is well-prepared for the impending arrests. “I’m sure hindi lang apat ‘yan. Mayroon pa ibang kasama mga ‘yan pero, so far, apat ang aming minamanmanan ngayon (I’m sure there are not just four. There are others involved with them, but for now, we are focusing on these four),” he was quoted as saying in a report published by the Manila Bulletin. The crackdown on POGO operations comes in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban POGOs  due to their links to various criminal activities. Following this order, the PAOCC reported a significant decrease in POGO operations. However, Dr. Casio acknowledged the ongoing challenge of addressing underground operations that continue to evade law enforcement. “So, there are a good number of them [still operating underground], and we are having difficulty catching up,” he remarked. The PAOCC’s efforts reflect a broader governmental strategy to eliminate POGOs, which have faced increased scrutiny over allegations of illegal activities, including human trafficking and money laundering. The President had set a deadline for the closure of all POGOs  by the end of this year, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Dr. Casio assured the public that the task force’s mandate would extend beyond December 31. “So, tuluy-tuloy lang kami. Assuming na may matira pa (We will continue our mandate. Assuming that some POGOs remain after December, we will still go after them and close them down),” he stressed.