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The Philippines’ justice department warned foreign POGO workers of blacklisting if they do not submit to authorities. The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a firm warning to foreign nationals working illegally for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs): submit to authorities or face severe consequences, including permanent blacklisting from the country. This announcement comes as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s ban on POGOs takes effect, with a complete shutdown mandated by the end of 2024. The President's decision to ban POGOs stems from investigations linking these gambling operations to a range of illegal activities and serious crimes, prompting a decisive move to prioritize national security and public welfare. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the government's unwavering stance, stating, "The President is unequivocally clear that POGOs have no place here in the Philippines." Data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) revealed that out of 33,863 registered foreign POGO workers, 24,779 successfully downgraded their visas. Furthermore, 22,609 workers departed the Philippines before the December 31 deadline.  However, a significant number of foreign workers remain in the country illegally. These include individuals who failed to downgrade their visas, those who did downgrade but overstayed their visitor visas, and those who simply did not leave. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is now actively conducting extensive manhunt operations to apprehend these remaining POGO workers, who are now classified as illegal aliens. The DOJ has made it clear that the government is determined to intensify its efforts against illegal POGO operations and ensure full compliance with the presidential directive. Secretary Remulla reiterated the government's resolve to pursue and prosecute those operating outside the bounds of the law.  This strong stance underscores the Philippine government's commitment to eradicating illegal gambling activities and maintaining national security. The message is clear: foreign POGO workers remaining in the Philippines illegally must surrender to authorities to avoid permanent blacklisting and other legal repercussions. Read related article: LGUs Have Until Jan. 10 To Submit POGO Reports - DILG

Local government units in the Philippines have until January 10 to submit final reports on their efforts to strip their jurisdictions of POGOs.  The Philippine agency in charge of interior and local government affairs has set a January 10 deadline for cities, provinces, and towns to submit final reports on their efforts to eradicate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) within their jurisdictions.  Memorandum Circular 2025-001, addressed to governors, mayors, barangay captains, and DILG regional directors, reiterated LGU responsibilities on submitting reports to prove that they do not have offshore gaming operations in their areas.  “LGUs are responsible for checking all the buildings, (and utilize) the occupancy permits, the electric permits, the fire safety permits so they would have full capacity to enter all the buildings,” DILG chief Jonvic Remulla said, as reported by government newswire Philippine News Agency.  The memorandum emphasizes that LGUs must ensure no further renewal of business permits and licenses for POGOs, including internet gaming licenses.  Furthermore, LGUs are urged to report any remaining POGO operations to the police, following the implementation of Executive Order 74, which mandates a complete ban on POGOs in the country. This follows President Marcos Jr.'s announcement during his State of the Nation Address in July, declaring the total prohibition of POGOs. The DILG has also authorized LGUs and police to inspect commercial and residential buildings to enforce the ban. LGUs are required to submit “No POGO” certifications and are empowered to utilize occupancy, electric, and fire safety permits to access buildings. Inspections also extend to verifying real property tax payments.  “They cannot operate in remote areas because there would be no Internet there. They have a high bandwidth requirement to be able to operate,” he said. The DILG clarified that special economic zones are not exempt from the ban and will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy for erring local officials. The Bureau of Immigration will conduct a manhunt for 11,000 unaccounted POGO workers, while police will pursue those involved in illegal activities. Read related article:   Total POGO Ban in the Philippines Takes Effect

Senate Bill No. 2868, also known as the “Anti-POGO Act,” is under consideration for second reading in the Philippine Senate. A Philippine senator is pushing for the passage of a law aimed at penalizing offshore gaming companies linked to criminal activities. Senator Risa Hontiveros called for the swift approval of the Anti-POGO Act, which seeks to address crimes associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the illegal use of properties by these entities. “I hope the year 2025 is the year we finally pass the Anti-POGO Act,” Senator Hontiveros said in a statement cited by BusinessWorld. “We need a comprehensive law to ensure that no POGO scams, harms, or deceives many people.” Senate Bill No. 2868, or the Anti-POGO Act, is currently pending second reading in the Senate. Its counterpart bill in the House of Representatives has already passed the committee level. The proposed legislation comes amid growing concerns over POGO operations and their alleged ties to organized crime. Organized Crime and POGO Shutdown The push for the Anti-POGO Act coincides with the government’s intensified efforts to eliminate POGO-related activities. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. previously issued an executive order banning POGOs due to their links to crimes such as human trafficking. During his third State of the Nation Address, President Marcos emphasized the need to shut down POGOs by the end of the year. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco reported significant progress in this endeavor. He noted that the number of operational POGOs had dropped to 17 as of December, a sharp decline from the 298 licensed operators in 2019. Role of the Solicitor General Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has also taken steps to address issues arising from POGO activities. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mr. Guevarra revealed that his office has been actively canceling fraudulent birth certificates used by foreign nationals. These documents are often linked to organized crime syndicates operating within the country. Guevarra pointed out that the OSG’s post-POGO tasks include forfeiting illegally acquired real properties and other assets in the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of identifying and neutralizing schemes used by POGO operators to exploit legal loopholes. Human Trafficking Victim Support Senator Hontiveros also stressed the need for the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to seize properties illegally utilized by POGOs. “These properties should then be used as reparation for human trafficking victim-survivors, as stated in the Anti-Financial Account and Scamming Act,” she said. The senator had previously introduced an amendment to the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act. This amendment includes provisions for the civil forfeiture of all assets of individuals involved in economic sabotage. Under the law, the Supreme Court would create rules for implementing this measure, including allocating a portion of the seized assets to the Department of Justice. These funds would be used to support and protect human trafficking victims. “I am sure there are still foreigners out there using Philippine birth certificates in the wrong way, so I hope they can be identified and punished by law,” Senator Hontiveros added. “Let us be vigilant about efforts of POGO criminals to obtain Filipino citizenship by whatever means.” Legislative and Legal Measures The Anti-POGO Act is designed to establish stringent regulations and penalties for POGO operators linked to crimes. It aims to ensure that these entities cannot exploit Philippine laws to perpetrate illegal activities. Additionally, the bill seeks to strengthen the government’s capacity to combat crimes associated with offshore gaming operations. Senator Hontiveros believes that the passage of the law will send a strong message to those seeking to exploit the country’s resources and institutions. She also emphasized the importance of protecting Filipinos from scams and crimes facilitated by offshore gaming operators. Read related article: Landlords Warned Over Rentals To Now-Illegal POGOs

Five foreigners were arrested in Makati for robbery and carnapping. Authorities believe they were former POGO workers who lost their jobs after the crackdown. Makati police have arrested five foreign nationals—four Chinese and one Malaysian—for alleged involvement in robbery, carnapping, and illegal possession of firearms. Authorities believe the suspects are former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers who lost their jobs. According to an ABS-CBN report, the incident transpired December 30, 2024. At the time, a Chinese businessman and his Filipina girlfriend were victimized. The couple reported being blindfolded, handcuffed, and robbed at gunpoint by five men. The victims recounted their terrifying experience, with the Filipina stating, "I was so scared when the gun was pointed at me… They put blindfolds on us and covered our mouths. One of them spoke English and said, 'Don't shout.' They said they would just take our belongings and then leave." The businessman added, “They said don’t talk. [There was a] gun in [my]  head. [I was] so scared.” Investigation revealed that two of the suspects had been staying with the victims after losing their POGO jobs. Makati Police Chief PCOL Jean Dela Torre confirmed that all suspects were former POGO employees who resorted to theft after becoming unemployed. In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the shutdown of the industry, linking it to crimes such as human trafficking and money laundering.  Following the report, police conducted hot pursuit operations from December 30th until the new year, apprehending the suspects in separate locations in Metro Manila and Pampanga. The stolen items included a bullet-proof vehicle worth P5.5 million, which the suspects had fitted with improvised license plates. Carnapping charges have also been filed.  One of the arrested individuals admitted to being a former POGO worker who now works as a cook, while others declined to comment. Read related article: IACAT Notes "Absence of Provision" for Seized POGO Properties

The government warned against renting to owners of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) after the total ban started on January 1, 2025. The Philippine government is cracking down on illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) operations, and property owners who knowingly rent their spaces to these businesses could face severe consequences. This comes as the government's ban on the industry takes full effect. It can be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a full stop on POGO operations, citing crime-related concerns. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has issued a strong warning, stating that establishments used for illegal POGO activities are subject to forfeiture. This means the government could seize the property permanently. PAOCC can also recommend criminal charges against landlords who turn a blind eye to such operations. “Medyo delikado po ‘yan para sa kanila baka mawala ‘yung property nila kasi pwede po namin file-an ng criminal forfeiture ‘yan kung talagang inallow nila na ipagamit ‘yung kanilang property or resort nila para sa mga ganitong activity. (That’s risky for them since they may lose their property because we could file a criminal forfeiture case against them if they truly allowed the use of their property or resort for these kinds of illegal activity.)” PAOCC head Gilbert Cruz said, as cited by a GMA News report.  Critics have linked POGOs to money laundering, cybercrimes, and social problems. The government is committed to dismantling these illegal businesses and protecting the country's security and economic interests. Cruz named signs that a POGO is operating. This includes unusual activity patterns, which he describes as a red flag “One of the indicators is when they are operating at night or midnight, and there are foreigners inside,” Cruz explained. This 24/7 operation, coupled with the constant presence of foreign nationals, suggests a potential POGO operation. Another telltale sign is a change in lifestyle within the property. “Ngayon nag papa deliver na lang sila ng pagkain. Kadalasan hindi na sila nag luluto (Now, they are just ordering food. Usually, they no longer cook their meals),” Cruz added.  This shift away from typical household activities like cooking can indicate a large number of people living and working within the space.  Beyond lifestyle changes, physical alterations to the property can also raise suspicion. “Tapos po nag papadagdag sila ng internet connection and then nakikita nila maraming sasakyan… ‘yun yung isa sa mga indicators. (And then they increase their internet connection and then there are many vehicles at the property… That's one of the indicators),” Cruz noted.  The demand for significantly higher internet bandwidth and an unusual number of vehicles parked at the property are strong indicators of a business operation rather than a typical residential tenancy. Landlords are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. PAOCC encourages cooperation from the public to identify and shut down illegal POGOs. Read related article:   PAOCC Tracks 100 Unlicensed POGOs Post-Ban

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered two TWGs: one for reskilling displaced workers, and another to target illegal offshore gaming, focusing on unlicensed POGOs. The Marcos administration is ramping up efforts to detect and shut down residual Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities in the wake of the nationwide ban that took effect on December 31, 2024. The move aims to ensure strict compliance with the prohibition and address lingering challenges posed by underground operations. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has reported signs of small-scale, covert POGO operations attempting to evade the crackdown. According to PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz, some operators are downsizing their operations to avoid detection.  “We are observing indicators that some operators are downsizing to evade detection. Our enforcement agencies are actively monitoring these developments to ensure full compliance with the ban,” Cruz was quoted as saying in a Manila Standard report.  The ban, formalized through Executive Order No. 74 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on November 5, 2024, was a direct response to increasing criminal activities linked to POGOs. The order mandated the immediate cessation of all POGO activities and the cancellation of licenses previously issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Despite the prohibition, authorities have identified attempts by some operators to continue their activities in a more discreet manner. Cruz emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal gambling. “We will not tolerate any form of illegal gambling operations. Our agencies are equipped and ready to take decisive action against violators,” he said. One of the significant challenges arising from the ban is the issue of foreign workers previously employed by POGOs. Nearly 8,000 foreign workers have reportedly downgraded their work visas to tourist visas but remain in the Philippines. Many of these individuals are suspected of participating in underground POGO activities, posing an additional hurdle for law enforcement. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PAOCC have raised concerns about the potential persistence of illegal POGO operations. Without robust enforcement measures, as many as 100 unlicensed POGO activities could continue into 2025, according to their estimates. This underscores the need for intensified efforts to eliminate all remnants of the industry. o address the broader implications of the ban, President Marcos has ordered the creation of two Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to oversee key aspects of the transition. The first TWG focuses on employment recovery and reintegration, aiming to support displaced Filipino workers who lost their jobs due to the POGO shutdown. This group is tasked with implementing upskilling and reskilling programs to help affected workers find alternative employment opportunities. The second TWG targets illegal offshore gaming operations, working in close coordination with law enforcement agencies to dismantle unlicensed POGO activities. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to uphold the integrity of the gaming industry and ensure compliance with the law. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also playing a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the ban. DOLE has been collaborating with PAGCOR and other relevant agencies to assist displaced workers. Their efforts include identifying alternative job opportunities and providing necessary training to help affected individuals transition smoothly into new roles. Read related article: PH Govt to Inventory and Seize Assets of Shuttered POGOs

Senator Risa Hontiveros has strongly opposed any attempts to grant bail offshore gaming-linked Tony Yang, a Chinese businessman.  Senator Risa Hontiveros has strongly opposed any attempts to grant bail to Chinese businessman Tony Yang, who faces accusations of money laundering and involvement in illegal online gaming operations within the Philippines. Hontiveros expressed her concerns in a statement released on Monday, emphasizing that Yang should remain in detention. This stance is fueled by reports suggesting that certain officials within the Bureau of Immigration are advocating for Yang's release on bail. The senator highlighted the ease with which dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo–accused of being Chinese national Guo Hua Ping–managed to evade authorities. This precedent, according to Hontiveros, raises serious doubts about Yang's adherence to legal processes if granted bail. "I have received reports that there are officials in the Bureau of Immigration who attempted to push for the release on bail of Tony Yang," Hontiveros said as quoted by The Manila Times.  "We have seen how easy it was for Guo Hua Ping to slip out. Is there reason to believe that this Tony Yang will follow the law?" Furthermore, Hontiveros urged the Anti-Money Laundering Council to expedite its investigation into Yang's alleged money laundering activities. She accused Yang of exploiting the Filipino people for personal gain, having amassed his wealth through fraudulent means, including falsely claiming Filipino citizenship. While acknowledging the possibility of Yang requiring medical attention, Hontiveros firmly stated that any necessary treatment should be administered while he remains under government custody. Yang was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on September 19th by a joint operation involving the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Bureau of Immigration, and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His arrest stemmed from alleged connections to various illegal activities. The Department of Justice Secretary, Jesus Crispin Remulla, has opted to pursue criminal charges against Yang instead of immediately deporting him.  During a Senate investigation into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators, Yang admitted to possessing a Philippine birth certificate despite his Chinese nationality. He attributed this to his maternal grandfather's actions, claiming it was done for his convenience in establishing businesses within the country.  Immigration authorities earlier confirmed there was a push to grant bail to the detained businessman. But they assured that the approval was "not guaranteed."  “While filing for bail is a right under due process, it does not guarantee approval,” BI emphasized. “Previous applications have not been considered, and Yang’s current application is expected to be evaluated with the same rigorous standard.” Read related article: Senator Sounds Alarm on Officials “Coaching” POGOs

In 2016, PAGCOR reshaped the offshore gaming landscape by launching the POGO framework, offering operators more favorable conditions. Santa Ana, Cagayan—a municipality once recognized as the cradle of interactive gaming in the Philippines—is grappling with the economic fallout following the government’s decision to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). In an interview with the Philippine Star, Mayor Nelson Robinion revealed that the closure of these facilities could lead to the loss of up to 2,000 jobs and livelihood opportunities, leaving many residents uncertain about their future. The town’s economy, heavily reliant on the gaming sector, is expected to shrink significantly. Workers, many of whom relocated to Santa Ana for job opportunities, now face challenges as the local job market struggles to absorb the displaced workforce. This decision has created an atmosphere of uncertainty for his constituents, said Mayor Robinion.  The move to shut down POGOs follows the issuance of Executive Order 74, which mandates the cessation of all offshore gaming activities under the jurisdiction of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA). CEZA, responsible for managing the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport in Santa Ana, has been instructed to revoke all POGO licenses and ensure the complete termination of their operations. Established in the early 2000s, Santa Ana’s gaming industry was a pioneer in Asia, introducing the concept of regulated interactive gaming. Dindo Danao, a former public relations consultant for CEZA, recalled how the municipality became a hub for foreign investments through its innovative licensing framework for offshore gaming operators. “It was a unique marketing strategy that positioned Santa Ana as a leader in regulated gaming,” Danao explained. Interactive gaming—or “i-gaming”—played a crucial role in the development of Santa Ana. CEZA’s initiatives helped fund key infrastructure projects, including the construction of an international airport and a cyber village, bolstering the municipality’s reputation as a growing economic zone.  “It was a unique marketing strategy," Danao pointed out, as he recalled that dozens of operators once called CEZA home, fueling local employment and economic activity. However, the industry’s landscape shifted dramatically in 2016 when the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) introduced its POGO framework. Offering more favorable conditions for operators, PAGCOR’s centralized system drew many companies away from CEZA, leaving the latter struggling to maintain its market share. According to Danao, this shift was a turning point for Santa Ana, emphasizing the challenges CEZA faced in retaining its competitive edge. With the recent ban on POGOs, the municipality now faces even greater economic difficulties. “Once a thriving industry providing jobs in customer service, logistics, security, and support roles, the departure of POGOs has left thousands of Santa Ana residents unemployed,” Danao said. The ripple effects of the shutdown are expected to extend beyond job losses. Local businesses that relied on the gaming industry’s workforce for customers are also bracing for a downturn. Restaurants, housing rentals, and transportation services—all integral parts of the town’s economy—are anticipated to experience significant declines in revenue. Adding to the municipality’s challenges is the difficulty of finding alternative industries to fill the economic void left by the gaming sector. While Santa Ana has potential in tourism and agriculture, developing these industries to the level necessary to offset the losses will take considerable time and investment. Santa Ana’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with dependence on a single industry. For years, the municipality’s economic growth was tied to the success of interactive gaming. Now, with the industry gone, the town must confront the harsh reality of rebuilding its economy from the ground up. Despite the challenges, there is some optimism that the municipality can recover in the long term. Local leaders are calling for greater support from the national government to develop alternative economic opportunities and provide assistance to affected workers. Proposals include retraining programs, investment in infrastructure to attract other industries, and promotional campaigns to boost Santa Ana’s tourism potential. Read related article: Total POGO Ban in the Philippines Takes Effect

The PH government is preparing for the seizure of offshore gaming operation assets as the December 31, 2024 deadline of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lapses. Following the expiration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s deadline for a ban on Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) at the end of 2024, the Philippine government is preparing for a large-scale inventory and seizure of POGO assets.  The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) announced on January 1, 2025, New Year’s Day, that it will initiate a thorough assessment of these assets, which are suspected to include substantial real estate holdings outside of the capital. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra outlined the OSG's post-POGO responsibilities, stating, "The OSG’s massive post-POGO tasks will consist of cancelling all certificates of birth fraudulently acquired by aliens/foreign nationals and forfeiting their illegally acquired real properties and other assets in the Philippines."  Guevarra acknowledged that the total value of these assets is currently unknown, emphasizing that the initial focus will be on securing and controlling them. "At this time, we have no definite figures on the aggregate value of these assets. The first order of the day is to take possession of and control over them," he stated. This move follows congressional investigations that revealed instances of Chinese nationals using falsified birth certificates to obtain Filipino citizenship. This fraudulent activity enabled them to establish corporations and acquire properties, allegedly for illicit purposes such as drug trafficking. In July 2024, the National Bureau of Investigation disclosed its discovery of nearly 200 counterfeit birth certificates provided to Chinese nationals. These falsifications, dating back to 2018 and 2019, were traced to the civil registry office of a single municipality—Santa Cruz in Davao del Sur. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin previously indicated the government's commitment to expediting the acquisition of seized POGO properties and assets. He noted the existence of forfeiture laws but highlighted the "very slow" nature of the process. To address this issue, both the Senate and the House of Representatives are considering legislation that would authorize the forfeiture of all POGO assets "in favor of the government."  This proposed measure aims to allow the government to seize buildings, materials, equipment, and proceeds derived from illegal POGO operations. This legislative push signals a determined effort to recoup potential losses and dismantle the infrastructure associated with illegal POGO activities. Read related article: IACAT Notes "Absence of Provision" for Seized POGO Properties

Immigration intercepted four victims of what is suspected to be trafficking to an offshore gaming job in Clark, arresting the trafficker in the process. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted a suspected human trafficker and rescued four Filipino victims at the Clark International Airport (CIA) on Christmas Day, preventing their departure to what authorities believe was a case of overseas labor exploitation linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-type operations. The incident, first reported by GMA News, unfolded as immigration officers screened passengers boarding a flight bound for Singapore. Suspicion arose during the initial interviews with a group of individuals, prompting further investigation. According to a statement released by the BI on Thursday, the four victims initially presented themselves as tourists traveling to Singapore. However, upon closer questioning, their story began to unravel. They eventually admitted to traveling with a 38-year-old Filipino woman who acted as their escort. The victims disclosed that they had been recruited to work as encoders in Cambodia, enticed by the promise of a monthly salary of P60,000. They described the recruiting entity as a company engaged in operations similar to those of POGOs. Further investigation revealed that Singapore was intended to be a transit point for the victims' onward journey to Cambodia. The escort herself admitted to assisting the victims in entering Singapore with the explicit purpose of facilitating their transfer to Cambodia. This admission corroborated the victims’ accounts and solidified the suspicion of human trafficking. The BI’s swift action prevented what could have been a case of labor exploitation and potential human trafficking. The suspect is now in custody and will face appropriate charges, while the rescued victims are receiving assistance from the BI and other relevant government agencies. This incident at Clark International Airport is not an isolated case. Earlier this month, the BI also intercepted a 28-year-old Filipino man at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, the country’s main international gateway. This individual admitted to being recruited online for work in Laos, highlighting the increasing trend of online recruitment schemes used by human traffickers. These back-to-back incidents underscore the persistent efforts of criminal syndicates to exploit vulnerable Filipinos seeking overseas employment and the vigilance of the Bureau of Immigration in combating these illicit activities. The BI continues to strengthen its monitoring and screening procedures at all ports of entry to protect Filipino citizens from falling prey to human trafficking and illegal recruitment. Read related article:   Pinay Helper Rescued From POGO Hub in Paranaque

A panel in Philippine congress wants a deeper probe into dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo’s alleged links to Chinese espionage.  A House quad committee is now recommending further investigation into dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, focusing on potential espionage and other charges.  A 51-page progress report summarizing the committee's four-month inquiry outlines the basis for this recommendation. It calls for a thorough investigation into Guo, specifically addressing allegations of her being a Chinese spy with connections to Chinese mafias.  The report states that if the findings warrant it, appropriate legal cases should be filed, including potential criminal prosecutions for espionage. This recommendation signifies a shift in focus, raising concerns beyond typical administrative or corruption charges. The committee's concerns arise from various pieces of unverified information surrounding Guo. This includes her alleged connection to confessed Chinese spy Shi Zhijang, as featured in an Al Jazeera documentary. Lawmakers questioned Guo about this connection during the House inquiry, contributing to the ongoing investigation. The investigation also examines Guo’s prior involvement with POGOs. She was identified as the former owner of the Baofu compound in Bamban, which housed several POGO service providers, including those linked to Xionwei Technology, a company associated with Allan Lim, an associate of former Duterte economic adviser Michael Yang. This connection forms part of the broader investigation into the POGO industry. Further contributing to the complexity of the case are allegations that Guo misrepresented her citizenship using a reportedly falsified birth certificate. This alleged misrepresentation allowed her to acquire landholdings and hold public office. The Pasig court's denial of Guo's petition for bail is a procedural element in the ongoing legal process. The committee's investigation has also extended to other local officials. Mayors Liseldo Calugay of Sual, Pangasinan, and Teddy Tumang of Mexico, Pampanga, are also recommended for investigation regarding their interactions with Guo and their roles in allowing POGOs to operate within their respective jurisdictions. This suggests a broader inquiry into local government oversight of the POGO industry. Read related article: Court Denies Alice Guo’s Bail Petition

A South Korean fugitive who is wanted for illegal gambling operations was apprehended in a luxury Pattaya condominium.  A South Korean national wanted for his role in a massive illegal gambling operation was apprehended in a luxury Pattaya condominium on Christmas Day. Thai immigration officials arrested 33-year-old Jung on December 25th, finding him with passports from both South Korea and Vanuatu. Jung was a wanted man in South Korea, connected to several online gambling networks – Top Plus Bet ( top-911.com ), B-Plus, Dynamisty, and Togenot – that had been operating illegally for over five years. These networks allegedly ran a sophisticated money laundering operation, funneling illicit funds through a network of 80 bank accounts. The staggering sum processed through these accounts, estimated at 592.6 billion won (approximately 15 billion baht or US$438 million), paints a disturbing picture of the vast scale of this illegal enterprise. Authorities believe Jung played a pivotal role in the network's day-to-day activities. He allegedly oversaw operations, managed vast databases containing user information, and ensured the smooth flow of funds within the organization. Following the dismantling of these networks by South Korean police, Jung reportedly fled to Thailand, seeking refuge in a luxurious Pattaya condo. However, his attempt to escape justice proved futile. Thai immigration officials, acting on a tip and in close collaboration with South Korean authorities, conducted the raid on Christmas Day. During the operation, officers seized computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices believed to hold crucial evidence linking Jung to the gambling network. Adding to his woes, officials discovered that Jung had overstayed his visa in Thailand.  He is currently detained and faces deportation proceedings in addition to potential charges related to his involvement in the illegal gambling operation. Read related article: Thais “Polarized, Skeptical” About Casino Push: Study