Search Results

The Quad Comm filed bills penalizing extrajudicial killings, banning offshore gaming, allowing property forfeiture, canceling fraudulent birth certificates, and punishing espionage. The House Quad Committee (Quad Comm) has filed a series of legislative measures aimed at addressing the legal weaknesses that allowed for criminal activities linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the controversial anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, the lead chair of Quadcom, announced the filing of five key bills designed to close loopholes in the nation's laws. These gaps, he explained, had been exploited by both local and international crime syndicates to facilitate illicit activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and the abuse of POGOs. In a statement cited by the PNA, Barbers emphasized that criminals had carefully studied the vulnerabilities in the legal system. “Sa isang simpleng pag-analisa, pinag-aralang maigi ng mga local at foreign crime syndicates ang mga kahinaan at butas ng ating mga batas at ginamit nila ito upang maisakatuparan ang kanilang mga illegal na gawain sa ating bansa (In a simple analysis, local and foreign crime syndicates carefully examined the weaknesses and loopholes in our laws and used them to carry out their illegal activities in our country)," he said. He added: “Out of the series of hearings conducted, lawmakers and the public were informed and enlightened on how criminals and unscrupulous individuals or groups managed to use the flaws, loopholes and weaknesses on some of our existing laws, in the furtherance of their criminal activities.” One of the most concerning revelations of the Quad Comm was the connection between POGOs and organized crime, particularly through real estate transactions and the exploitation of Filipino and Chinese "dummies" to conceal ownership of illicit operations. The committee also uncovered disturbing evidence regarding extrajudicial killings, which were reportedly encouraged and enabled by a culture of impunity within law enforcement during the previous administration. The Quadcom investigation into extrajudicial killings revealed what Barbers called a culture of impunity and power abuse under the Duterte administration. During the November 13, 2024 hearing, Duterte acknowledged crucial aspects of his administration's anti-drug campaign, including the role of the Davao Death Squad and a reward system for police involved in EJKs, which he said was modeled after practices in Davao. Duterte also took “full legal responsibility” for the violent war on drugs that marked his presidency. Key Bills Addressing Legal Gaps To tackle the issues raised by their investigations, Quadcom has filed five bills aimed at strengthening the nation’s legal framework and curbing criminal activity: House Bill No. 10986: This bill seeks to classify extrajudicial killings as a heinous crime, carrying heavy penalties for those involved, and providing reparations for the victims' families. The proposal comes after the committee’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, which included evidence of police involvement in extrajudicial executions. House Bill No. 10987: This bill aims to ban all forms of offshore gaming operations in the Philippines. It introduces severe penalties for violations, seeking to eliminate the misuse of POGOs by criminal elements involved in money laundering, human trafficking, and other illegal activities. House Bill No. 11043: This bill would allow the government to seize real estate properties unlawfully acquired by foreign nationals involved in illegal activities. It targets operations like Empire 999, a real estate company allegedly used by POGOs to launder money and engage in criminal enterprises. House Bill No. 11117: This measure proposes the administrative cancellation of birth certificates that were fraudulently obtained by foreign nationals. This bill aims to close the loophole that allowed foreign criminals to manipulate the legal system and disguise their identities. House Bill No. 10998: This bill criminalizes conspiracy and proposals to commit espionage, seeking to address concerns about foreign interference in national security and the exploitation of the country’s legal system by foreign entities. In addition to these legislative measures, Barbers highlighted that the Quad Comm had recommended over 30 amendments to existing laws in an effort to strengthen them and prevent similar abuses in the future. These proposed changes are designed to make it more difficult for criminals to exploit legal loopholes and to hold accountable those involved in such activities. Investigative Efforts The investigative process that led to the filing of these bills was exhaustive. The Quad Comm held multiple hearings, called in expert resource persons, and reviewed critical documents. Barbers pointed out that while the committee’s work was thorough and labor-intensive, it was also met with significant criticism from detractors, particularly those with vested interests in the industries under scrutiny. “Napakadali lang para sa mga kritiko, lalo na iyung mga bayaran, na sirain o gibain ang ngalan at nagawa ng Quad Comm (It’s easy for critics, especially those who are paid, to tarnish or undermine the work of Quad Comm)," Barbers remarked, emphasizing that the committee had remained committed to its mission despite the challenges. A key part of the investigation focused on POGOs and their ties to organized crime. Barbers specifically pointed to the case of Empire 999, a real estate firm operated by Chinese nationals who posed as Filipino citizens to conceal their activities. The firm was found to be deeply connected to illegal drugs, money laundering, and other criminal enterprises facilitated by the POGOs operating in the country. “Sa ating initial na imbestigasyon dito sa Empire 999, nakita natin na ang modus operandi ng mga POGO ay gumamit ng Pinoy at Tsinoy na dummies bilang nominal owners (In our initial investigation into Empire 999, we discovered that POGOs use Filipino and Chinese dummies as nominal owners),” Barbers explained. This practice, he noted, allowed the operators to launder money and engage in illicit activities while remaining shielded from legal scrutiny. Read related article: House Quad Comm Files Bills to Enforce POGO Ban, Penalize EJKs

Metro Manila’s police chief wants station commanders accountable if they fail to curb illegal gambling activity in their areas.  National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin, has issued a directive holding station commanders directly accountable for the presence of illegal gambling operations within their jurisdictions. This move signals a shift towards proactive prevention and increased oversight of local police leadership. While the NCRPO has conducted numerous raids, resulting in over 2,000 arrests and the confiscation of nearly P500,000 in cash between late November and late December, the emphasis has now shifted to preventing these operations from establishing themselves in the first place. The directive from General Aberin underscores the expectation that station commanders will implement effective strategies to curb illegal gambling within their assigned areas. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. “We are committed to eradicating these illegal activities that harm our communities. The NCRPO’s intensified campaign against illegal gambling is aligned with the PNP’s thrust of effective enforcement of all laws,” Aberin shared.  Recent operations, including a raid that resulted in 20 arrests and the seizure of approximately P500,000, demonstrate the continued efforts to dismantle existing illegal gambling operations. However, these operations are now viewed within the broader context of the NCRPO’s directive to prevent such activities from occurring. The NCRPO continues to encourage public cooperation in reporting suspected illegal gambling activities. The organization maintains its commitment to transparency and internal accountability, which now extends to the performance and oversight of station commanders. Individuals directly involved in illegal gambling activities will continue to face appropriate legal charges. Common violations identified by the NCRPO during anti-illegal gambling operations include: Cara y cruz Playing cards for money Betting Dice games EZ2 Lotteng The NCRPO encourages the public to report any instances of these activities to their local police station or directly to the NCRPO. Read related article: Over 2k Nabbed In Metro Manila For Illegal Gambling

House panel urged the Philippines’ anti-money laundering body to investigate Harry Roque’s assets amid his alleged involvement in POGOs.  The Philippine House quad committee has recommended a thorough audit of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's bank accounts, assets, and transactions by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).  If necessary, the committee suggested freezing these assets to investigate Roque’s alleged links to illegal players in the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) industry. The 51-page report, cited by the Inquirer, proposed that a freeze order be applied to Roque’s assets if they are found to be connected to predicate offenses defined under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.  The quad committee’s recommendations were outlined in its first progress report, which summarized key findings from a four-month inquiry into criminal activities tied to the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.  These activities include extrajudicial killings and illegal POGO operations. While the committee stopped short of accusing Roque of a specific offense, it emphasized the need for a criminal investigation to determine his involvement with Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corp., two entities allegedly tied to illicit operations. The report stated: “AMLA should initiate an investigation on the acquisition of his assets. Thereafter, a freeze order over the assets owned by [Roque] should be applied for provided it is shown that they are materially linked, relate to, or involve predicate offenses defined in the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.” Roque’s financial activities raised questions during the POGO probe, particularly the significant surge in his declared assets. According to the quad committee, Roque’s net worth ballooned from P125,000 in 2016 to P125 million by 2018—a period coinciding with the height of POGO operations under the Duterte administration. Adding to the intrigue, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chair Al Tengco revealed that Roque had facilitated meetings between Tengco and Cassandra Ong, an incorporator of Whirlwind Corp., to address Lucky South 99’s unpaid arrears in July 2023. Roque has denied acting as legal counsel for any POGO and claimed he was merely representing Ong. Roque and his wife, Mylah, left the Philippines following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him in September for contempt. The quad committee accused Roque of refusing to attend hearings and withholding requested documents. The couple surfaced on November 29, 2024 at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, where they notarized a counter affidavit related to a separate human trafficking case. The committee has since recommended that the government pursue extradition to bring Roque back to the Philippines. “Extradition treaties can be invoked, or a diplomatic request for repatriation may suffice,” the report stated. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) also came under fire for its alleged role in Roque’s departure. The committee called for an investigation into who may have facilitated his escape, with the BI hinting that Roque could have been aided by "unscrupulous individuals." Charges of falsification of public documents are being considered against him. “The Bureau of Immigration (BI) should be investigated to determine who helped Roque escape undetected,” the report added. The BI has stated that Roque’s departure may have been facilitated by unscrupulous individuals, and it is considering charging him with falsification of public documents. Read related article: Probe On Immigration Eyed For Harry Roque's Undetected Departure

Korean actress Han So-hee (who is best known for the K-drama The World of the Married) denied any involvement in her mother’s actions. The mother of Korean actress Han So-hee has been given a suspended prison sentence for operating multiple illegal gambling venues, according to multiple media outlets.  A report by Hanbok Ilbo, translated by The Korean Times, said the actress' mother, aged 55, will face a year of imprisonment with a two-year suspension.  Judge Kim Do-hyung of the Chuncheon District Court's Wonju Branch also sentenced her to  120 hours of community service, for charges related to the establishment of gambling venues. In a statement, the actress' agency clarified that the matter concerned the personal actions of the actress's mother and was in no way related to the actress herself. They offered apologies to those affected. "This case is entirely unrelated to the actress and stems from her mother’s personal actions. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this private matter," they said.  Han's mother allegedly coordinated with an illegal gambling site via Telegram, securing access and management codes to create seven betting locations. Her profit model involved collecting commissions based on total bets and user losses. She was accused of utilizing "front men" at adult PC game centers through profit-sharing agreements or collaborated with existing operators to enable illegal online gambling, including baccarat. Authorities uncovered five venues in Wonju, along with single locations in Ulsan and Gyeongju.  “The defendant conspired with multiple game room operators to create gambling venues,” Judge Kim said, as reported by Chosun Ilbo, adding, “Given the operational structure of the game rooms, it appears that the defendant's acquired profits are also considerable.”  The court highlighted her continued involvement in gambling operations despite a 5 million won fine in 2023 for similar activities, suggesting substantial profits based on the operational structure and profit-sharing.  While prosecutors requested an 18-month prison sentence, she received a suspended sentence and was subsequently released. Prosecutors have appealed this decision, arguing it was too lenient. The appeals trial will be held at the Chuncheon District Court. Han So-hee is a prominent South Korean actress who rose to fame with her breakout role in The World of the Married  (2020) and further solidified her status with leading roles in dramas like Nevertheless  (2021) and My Name (2021). She initially pursued modeling before transitioning to acting, quickly becoming a recognized figure in the Korean entertainment industry. Read related article:   BTS's Jimin Victimized by Korean Comedian with Gambling Issue

A news report took a look at the Philippines’ largest POGO hub, which has now been shut down due to the government’s industry crackdown.  Once a bustling center of offshore gaming activity, a 30-hectare property in Cavite known as Island Cove now sits eerily silent. The former Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub, once the biggest in the country, succumbed to the government's crackdown on the industry and shuttered its doors on December 17, 2024. Island Cove's story is intertwined with the rise and fall of the POGO industry in the Philippines. Previously owned by the Remulla family, the property was sold in 2018 to First Orient International Ventures Corporation, a company reportedly owned by the children of junket operator Kim Wong. The sprawling complex housed 57 buildings and catered to four POGO licensees at its peak. A recent video surfaced online, offering a glimpse into the deserted halls of what was once a hive of POGO activity. The condos that once housed thousands of workers now stand empty, while the offices, warehouses, restaurants, and resort that formed the lifeblood of the complex lie dormant.  Island Cove is nestled in front of Sangley Point, where the country's naval forces sets its ships. Its management denied allegations of espionage, adding that its operations were legitimate before they shut down.  ABS-CBN reporter Zyann Ambrosio described it as a "self-sustaining" community like many similar POGO hubs, such as a water station, laundry stations and plenty of restaurants.  The POGO hub had around 10 restaurants sprawled across the complex, according to general manager Ron Lim. With the number of employees working indirectly with the POGO hub due to the restaurants, Lim estimates that around 10,000 have lost their jobs.  Department of the Interior and Local Government chief and former Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla relived memories off Island Cove, back when it used to be a resort under their property.  "I was only seven when we started this [resort]," Remulla recalled.  President Ferdinand Marcos earlier ordered POGOs shut down by the end of 2024, through his State of the Nation Address in the middle of the year. He later formalized this in November through Executive Order 74.  Read related article:  Special Class BPOs Excluded from POGO Crackdown

A court denied Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo’s bail petition for her qualified human trafficking case, meaning she will remain in jail over the holidays. Expelled Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo will remain in jail after her bail request was rejected in her qualified human trafficking case, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon announced Friday. He cited the strength of the prosecution's evidence as the reason for the denial.    “The evidence of the prosecution was found to be strong,” Fadullon said, as reported by ABS-CBN News.  Guo's lawyer, Nicole Jamilla, had previously voiced her client's distress at the prospect of spending the holidays in the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory. Jamilla explained last week that Guo's anxiety was heightened by the fact that she has been detained since September—a period of three months—and the possibility of remaining in custody through Christmas.   “Nagwo-worry kasi September siya na-detain. That’s three months so magpa-Pasko. ‘Yong feeling na may possibility na made-detain siya during the holidays. Andun ‘yong worry, burden. Stress talaga sa kanya. (She's worried because she's been detained since September. That's three months, and now it's almost Christmas. The feeling that there's a possibility she'll be detained during the holidays... that's where the worry, the burden, comes from. It's really causing her stress.)” Jamilla said.  Guo faces numerous charges in different courts related to her alleged connection to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities. She maintains her innocence and denies being a key figure in any POGO-related operations.    Among her recent cases include Guo and her family (parents Jiang Zhong Guo and Lin Wenyi, and siblings Shiela and Siemen Guo) being charged with falsification and violating the Anti-Dummy Law. The charges stem from their acquisition of four land parcels for their 3Lin-Q Farm in Pangasinan. The NBI investigation concluded the family are Chinese citizens, despite claiming Filipino citizenship, based on fingerprint analysis and records from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration. They also allegedly misrepresented their residency. The NBI is seeking forfeiture of the land.  Read related article: Alice Guo and Kin Slapped With Anti-Dummy Law Charges

Authorities reiterated that Special Class Business Process Outsourcing (SCBPO) are exempted from the crackdown against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).  Special Class Business Process Outsourcing (SCBPO) companies have received renewed confirmation of their exemption from the ongoing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) ban, Asia Gaming Brief reports.   This clarification comes after a recent inspection of SCBPO facilities by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), bringing much-needed clarity to the industry. The inspection, conducted on Friday, December 20th, aimed to ensure that legitimate BPOs were not being used as fronts for illegal POGO operations. Legal expert Tonet Quiogue hailed the event as a “significant development that reinforces this position and provides the clarity the industry has long sought.” Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco and key members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Executive Order 74 led the inspection. Among the attendees were DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, and representatives from various agencies including the PAOCC, AMLA, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Immigration, and DOLE. The delegation visited two of the largest SCBPOs in the country, observing firsthand their operations as standard BPO companies providing services to legitimate international gaming firms. Secretary Remulla emphasized the distinction between SCBPOs and illegal POGOs, stating that SCBPOs represent the “good side of gaming, the one that provides good jobs to people and is not involved in scams.” He offered assurances that these companies would not be subject to raids or disruptions, clarifying that enforcement efforts are specifically targeting POGOs and other entities explicitly covered by Executive Order 74. This statement brings much-needed reassurance to the SCBPO sector, which has been operating under a cloud of uncertainty due to the broader crackdown on illegal online gaming. Despite the approaching deadline for the POGO ban mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the PAOCC has identified approximately 100 suspected “guerrilla POGOs” still operating across the Philippines. PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz announced that enforcement activities will intensify in January, with a focus on inspecting locations such as hotels, resorts, and residential subdivisions suspected of housing small, clandestine POGO hubs. This targeted approach underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal online gambling while allowing legitimate businesses like SCBPOs to continue their operations without undue interference. Read related article: PAGCOR Calls For Vigilance Amid POGOs “Masquerading” As BPOs

Over 2,000 people were arrested in Metro Manila during a month-long crackdown against illegal gambling operations.  Metro Manila police arrested over 2,000 people in separate anti-illegal gambling operations all over the metropolis.  According to an Inquirer report, The individuals were arrested in 808 anti illegal gambling operations held from November 23 to December 20 within its five districts: Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela), Eastern Police District (Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan) and Southern Police District (Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, Pateros, Taguig).  “The most common violations identified were [playing] cara y cruz, playing cards, betting, dice games, EZ2, and loteng,” the National Capital Region Police Office said in a statement, as quoted by the report.  Illegal gambling in the Philippines encompasses various activities operating outside the legal framework established by PAGCOR.  Common forms include numbers games like Jueteng and Masiao, unauthorized cockfighting, illegal video arcades simulating horse racing, and online platforms offering casino games and sports betting without proper licenses.  These operations function through hidden networks, lacking regulatory oversight and often associated with other crimes like loan sharking and money laundering. Acting NCRPO chief Police Brig. Gen Anthony Aberin said this was part of their campaign to curb illegal gambling operations. NCRPO also urged the public to report any illegal gambling activities.  “We are committed to eradicating these illegal activities that harm our communities. The NCRPO’s intensified campaign against illegal gambling is aligned with the PNP’s thrust for effective enforcement of all laws. In this campaign, public participation is crucial; thus, we urge everyone to report any illegal gambling activities in their area,” he said.  These illegal activities pose significant challenges for law enforcement due to their concealed nature, potential corruption, and the rise of online platforms operating across borders. The Philippine government actively combats illegal gambling through raids, public awareness campaigns, and efforts to strengthen enforcement. Engaging in these activities carries considerable legal and financial risks, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Read related article:   Korean Fugitive Arrested Over POGO-like Activity in QC

Joe Kaminkow of Aristocrat fame will be one of the headline speakers at the Casino & Leaders Conference (CLC) that will take place on January 20, 2025. Clarion Gaming has added to the A-list of luminaries participating in the ICE World Gaming Forum with confirmation that Joe Kaminkow, the powerhouse behind the success of Aristocrat and IGT will be one of the headline speakers at the Casino & Leaders Conference (CLC) taking place on January 20, 2025. Joe holds over 150 patents throughout the fields of game design, operations, and networks, creating or contributing game design intellectual property to more than 1,500 games across multiple formats and markets. He joins a line-up of headliners which includes Vicente Fox, 62nd President of Mexico; and Akhil Sarin, CMO of online brands Stake and Kick; as well as over 100 other speakers so far announced including Simon Thomas, Chairman of the Hippodrome Casino; Marcel Tobler, CEO, Swiss Casinos; Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, Chair, French Gambling Authority; Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer, BetMGM; Sana Ali Aamir, European GM of Fever; and Warren Cho, Worldwide Gaming Leader, Microsoft. Aristocrat’s Chief Innovation Officer will be leading a headline talk on attracting a diverse global audience through branded IP, drawing on his lessons from secured licensing rights from Batman, Star Trek, and Wheel of Fortune to Sex in the City and Game of Thrones . He will then join a panel of brand experts, including HASBRO, who will explore how to attract Millennial and Gen Z players in both the land-based and online space. Announcing the news, Clarion Gaming’s Senior Conference Producer Damien Ashton-Wellman said: “The World Gaming Forum is about delivering thought-provoking, authoritative insight delivered by Tier 1 thought leaders. Joe Kaminkow meets all of those criteria. “He has been inducted into the Pinball Hall of Fame, the American Gaming Association's Hall of Fame, the Licensing International Hall of Fame, the Coin-Op Hall of Fame, the Amusement Expo International’s Hall of Fame and the EKG Hall of Fame, as well as being named a “Top Ten Most Influential Person in Gaming” by Strictly Slots Magazine. “At Williams Electronics he secured licensing rights from NASA that led to the 1984 smash hit game Space Shuttle. Following that success, he was recruited by International Game Technology (IGT) to revolutionize slot machines through the extensive use of licensed titles like the iconic Wheel of Fortune deal. Joe went on to found Spooky Cool Labs in Chicago, where he developed an online Wizard of Oz city builder, before the company was acquired by Farmville creator Zynga. The participation of Joe Kaminknow will add to the profile of the program which in 2024 succeeded in bringing together over 1,210 senior decision makers from 79 countries, including 621 operator C-Level, 87 global CEOs, 72 national and regional regulatory bodies, and 7 government ministers. Gambling professionals attending ICE Barcelona will have the opportunity to explore the biggest ever edition of the show comprising 120,000 square meters (sqm) of space compared to the 100,000 sqm at ICE 2024. Fira Gran Via Barcelona will be home to the industry’s best ever line-up of exhibitors including the world’s biggest and most respected innovator brands from every gambling vertical. The industry’s leading trade associations, strategic bodies, regulators, CEOs of tier-1 operators and games creators will all be at Barcelona in record-breaking numbers underlining the show’s reputation for being the “Davos of Gambling.” For more information on the world’s biggest gaming technology event and to register: https://www.icegaming.com Read related article: ICE Barcelona to Honor Gaming Innovators at Landmark Awards 2025

The Korean suspect arrested in Quezon City was the "big boss" of a Korean online gambling syndicate. Philippine immigration authorities arrested a Korean tagged in setting up an illegal gambling site in Quezon City.  The suspect was allegedly the "big boss" of a Korean online gambling syndicate, and has been wanted in South Korea. However, the suspects and his accomplices were able to evade authorities through clandestine operations. Immigration authorities said he earned as much as P50 billion due to illegal activities.  “Ito ang sinasabing big boss ng Korean. He is said to be a ‘big boss’ of a Korean online gambling syndicate. From the start of their operation, they earned almost $1 billion in setting up their online gambling site,” Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit chief Rendel Sy said in a GMA News report.   The Korean national was nabbed in an entrapment operation where authorities duped the suspect into thinking that he was going on a vacation, which led to his arrest. He was arrested as he alighted on the van.  Sy added: “Nago-operate sila sa mga bahay-bahay lang, para ma-iwasan na ma-inspect, para di sila ma-inspect sila or maregulate ng  PAGCOR [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] (They operate in houses to avoid inspections, and to be inspected or regulated by PAGCOR).” “Mas may risk na doon pwede nila gawin ang panloloko o pangi-scam kasi di sila nare-regulate (There is a risk of doing scams because they have not been regulated).”  The Korean citizen will face deportation if he does not have local cases. The suspect is currently in the BI’s detention facility. He also refused to comment to the media.  Read related article: Fake Cops Kidnap Alleged POGO Boss in Parañaque

Employers who knowingly hire undocumented foreign workers could be fined up to P200,000 when House Bill 1279 gets approved.  Starting January 1, 2025, Philippine authorities will be actively searching foreign offshore gaming workers who were unaccounted for when it set a deadline on the industry’s shutdown this 2024. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will be conducting a manhunt for the remaining workers–estimated to be less than a thousand–who failed to comply with the government’s directive to cease operations, the Manila Standard reported.  Approximately 30,000 foreign POGO workers have already left the country, with more departures expected in the coming days, revealed BI Commissioner Joel Viado. With only 12 days remaining until the deadline, Viado urged foreign nationals to comply with the government’s mandate. As of November 2024, some 21,757 foreign nationals linked to POGO operations have voluntarily downgraded their work visas to temporary visitor visas, facilitating their departure. “Those who fail to leave before the deadline will be subjected to deportation proceedings and will be blacklisted,” Viado was quoted as saying in a Manila Standard report. This blacklist will prevent these individuals from re-entering the Philippines in the future. Recently, 34 individuals were deported to Xiamen, China via a Philippine Airlines flight. These deportees were previously arrested at various POGO locations, including Royal Corporation Xisheng IT, Lucky South 99 Outsourcing, and Royal Park, for violating immigration laws. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered law enforcement agencies to conduct more frequent raids on POGOs, as these establishments leaned more into guerilla operations. Authorities claimed these clandestine operations were found in residential areas, hotels, and resorts.  Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation address this July 2024 announced a ban on POGOs , formalizing it through an executive order a few months later. House Bill 1279 Proposes Tougher Penalties Rep. Brian Yamsuan of the Bicol Saro party-list group has called on lawmakers to approve a proposed bill that seeks to impose tougher penalties, including up to six years of imprisonment, on illegal foreign workers. The measure aims to curb their involvement in illicit activities and ensure jobs intended for Filipinos are not taken by undocumented workers.   Yamsuan's appeal comes in light of reports confirming the presence of Chinese nationals illegally employed at mining sites in Eastern Samar and Camarines Norte.   The proposed legislation, House Bill (HB) 1279, also seeks to discourage the proliferation of unlicensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), often referred to as “guerilla” POGOs, according to Yamsuan.   In addition to jail sentences, HB 1279 proposes significantly raising the fines for foreigners caught working illegally in the Philippines—from the current P10,000 to P50,000 for every year, or fraction thereof, of illegal employment. Employers who knowingly hire undocumented foreign workers could face fines of up to P200,000 and risk the suspension or closure of their businesses.   Yamsuan emphasized that while the illegal mining activities uncovered in Paracale, Camarines Norte, and Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar are currently categorized as “small-scale,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expressed concerns about the broader issue of illegal foreign workers in mining sites nationwide.   In October, the DENR discovered an illegal mining operation in Paracale, where 11 Chinese nationals posing as tourists were arrested. Additionally, the BI reported last month the apprehension of 13 Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining on Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar.   Read related article: 8,000 Foreign POGO Workers Have Yet To Leave PH

Congressmen want to investigate the Bureau of Immigration after ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque managed to leave the Philippines without detection.  A Philippine congressional panel wants to investigate the Bureau of Immigration to determine how former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and his wife, Myla Roque, managed to leave the Philippines without detection.  This recommendation follows Roque's citation for contempt due to his failure to submit pertinent documents during the committee's investigation into illegal drugs, Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), and extrajudicial killings from the previous administration. “Evading legal orders issued by the Joint Committee legal orders issued by the Joint Committee, Atty. Herminio Harry Roque, Jr. and Myla Roque were reported to have flown to the United Arab Emirates after he was cited in contempt for failure to submit pertinent documents,” read a copy of the report, as quoted by the Inquirer.  Roque is implicated in a qualified human trafficking case alongside Cassandra Li Ong and others, connected to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99 Corp. Additionally, he faces an arrest order from the House of Representatives for contempt of Congress due to his failure to produce documents explaining a significant increase in his wealth. Immigration previously said it was considering filing charges against Roque for allegedly leaving the country through illegal means. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado earlier noted that there was no record of Roque's recent departure through formal channels, suggesting he may have been aided by unscrupulous individuals.  The committee's progress report further recommends that the BI be investigated to identify individuals who may have assisted in Roque's undetected departure. Roque reportedly submitted his counter-affidavit to the qualified human trafficking case against him from Abu Dhabi. The BI is studying the possibility of filing falsification of public documents charges, among other potential cases, against him.  READ: Falsification Rap Eyed For Harry Roque After Possible Illegal Exit Speculation about Roque's whereabouts began when Vice President Sara Duterte hinted at his departure during a media briefing last month. She remarked:  "Look at Sec. Harry Roque, ayaw umalis non sa bansa kasi yung mga anak niya maiiwanan. Pero look at him, umalis na lang (Look at Roque—he didn’t want to leave the country before because his kids would be left behind. But now, look at him—he left anyway).” Roque's departure was confirmed when he submitted his counter-affidavit to qualified human trafficking complaints filed against him in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on December 3. The Department of Justice revealed this development, and the BI suggested that Roque may have left the country through illegal means. Read related article: Quad Comm Lists Issues That Harry Roque Needs to Clarify