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A mother and her accomplices were sentenced to life imprisonment for selling her eight-month-old baby to settle e-sabong debts in 2022. A Quezon City court has handed down a life sentence to a mother and three accomplices for selling her eight-month-old baby to settle e-sabong debts in 2022. The conviction, which highlights the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) crackdown on human trafficking, was announced on December 18, 2024.  The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 86 found the four individuals guilty beyond reasonable doubt of qualified trafficking in persons. Along with the life imprisonment sentence, the court ordered each convict to pay a fine of P2 million. The ruling, according to the NBI, underscores the agency’s commitment to combating human trafficking in the Philippines. “[T]he judgment rendered by the Regional Trial Court Branch 86 in Quezon City against all accused is a living testament of the resolute effort of the NBI to eradicate human trafficking in the country,” the NBI said in its statement. NBI Director Jaime Santiago expressed hope that the decision serves as a stern warning to individuals involved in crimes such as human trafficking and sexual exploitation, particularly those targeting women and children. The investigation revealed that the mother had resorted to selling her baby through an organized group. Desperate for funds to cover her debts from online cockfighting, commonly known as e-sabong, she made contact with the buyer, who later turned out to be the middleman. The transaction took place on March 3, 2022, at a fast food chain in Quezon City. However, the mother experienced a change of heart after the deal. She reportedly reached out to the buyer via text messages, pleading for the return of her baby and offering to refund the payment. Unfortunately, the buyer blocked her attempts to communicate. The NBI’s Human Trafficking Division (HTRAD) launched an entrapment and rescue operation following the mother’s appeal. Their efforts culminated in the arrest of a Filipina and a Nigerian national in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The operation also led to the recovery of the infant. In May 2022, authorities apprehended the mother and the middleman, completing the arrests of all parties involved in the trafficking scheme.  Read related article: Trans Beauty Queen Lars Pacheco Lost P5M in Online Gambling

An alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry boss was abducted by men posing as police officers in Parañaque City. A Chinese national, suspected to be a high-ranking figure in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry, was abducted by men posing as police officers in a brazen operation in Parañaque City. The incident occurred at the victim’s residence, where the perpetrators gained entry by impersonating law enforcement personnel. A broadcast report aired on GMA News’ 24 Oras showed the suspects, dressed in police uniforms, arriving at the house and presented themselves as conducting an official operation.  “Ito po ayan na po si [suspect] sinakay nila sa Hiace at tuloy tuloy na po yan. Pumasok po sila around 3:20 [p.m.] at lumabas around 3:50 [p.m.] siguro. Around 30 minutes sila sa loob ng village (The victim was boarded into the Hiace. The armed men went into the village at 3:20 p.m. and came out around 3:50 p.m. They were there for about 30 minutes),” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Eric Angustia, assistant chief of police for administration of the Parañaque City Police Station. Angustia said they are currently linking this activity to incidents of Chinese people in the Philippines kidnapping other Chinese nationals who have outstanding debts, subsequently seeking ransom from the victims’ relatives back in China.  The victim’s own security guards were also taken into custody by authorities. “Lumalabas po sa imbestigasyon na kasabwat sila sa insidente kaya inaaresto natin sila yung dalawa (The investigation revealed that they were accomplices in the incident so we arrested them),” said Angustia. The guards of the victim have been implicated in the crime and are now facing charges of kidnapping. Meanwhile, authorities are continuing their pursuit of seven additional suspects who remain at large. The victim's location remains unknown, as of writing. Meanwhile, police found that one of the suspects used to be a security guard of the subdivision.  Authorities are still exploring several angles and the possible motives of the kidnapping, including potential links to illegal gambling operations, business rivalries, or extortion attempts.  Despite the ongoing hunt for the kidnapping's mastermind, no ransom demands have been made. Read related article: POGO Exodus Boosts Image of the Philippines Says BI

The National Anti-Corruption Commission is probing former Thai police chief Torsak Sukvimol and others for alleged bribery linked to illegal gambling. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is investigating former National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol and seven other suspects for alleged involvement in online gambling.  According to a report by The Bangkok Post, this comes after a whistleblower claimed that the former police chief and his associates received protection money from online gambling operators. NACC has not released any further details about the investigation, but it is expected to be a lengthy and complex process. The former police chief has denied the allegations, but the whistleblower has provided evidence to support their claims. Asia Gaming Brief reported that authorities are also probing Pol. General Surachate Hakparn, who is accused of accepting bribes from gambling sites and involvement in money laundering. But authorities say further examination is needed before any action can be taken. This investigation comes at a time when the Thai government is cracking down on online gambling. In recent years, online gambling has become a major problem in Thailand, with many people losing large sums of money. The government has enacted several laws to try to curb online gambling, but these efforts have not been successful. The NACC investigation is a significant development in the fight against online gambling in Thailand. While there is no timetable for the investigation, it is expected to take several months.  The NACC has not said what penalties the former police chief could face if he is found guilty. However, he could be sentenced to prison and fined, according to current laws.  Sukvimol was previously suspended from duty in March 2024 amidst a power struggle with his deputy, Surachate Hakparn. This suspension followed a period of escalating tensions and conflicts within the Royal Thai Police. He was later reinstated in June. (What will it take for casinos to be legalized in Thailand? Find out through ACN’s in-depth report here .)

BI: “We saw the POGO [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator] ban didn’t have any adverse effects, and it was even more positive and effective in our tourism.” The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has hailed the total ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), set to take full effect by December 31, 2024, as a positive step toward improving the country’s international reputation as a safe destination. BI Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval expressed optimism during a briefing in Manila, stating that the POGO exodus has created a safer perception of the Philippines among tourists and foreign nationals. "The effect of the exodus of POGOs seems to be good because I believe it’s making people feel that it’s safer in the Philippines," she said in a mix of English and Filipino. Ms. Sandoval highlighted that the government’s efforts to ensure safety and security have been instrumental in attracting foreign visitors. "We believe this is a good sign for foreign nationals to go here. Our numbers of visitors are good. Our numbers of visitors are high. So, we saw the POGO ban didn’t have any adverse effects, and it was even more positive and effective in our tourism," she added. The latest data from the Department of Tourism supports this sentiment. As of December 15, the Philippines welcomed 5.65 million international visitors, achieving 73.4% of its 2024 target. This robust performance underscores the country’s growing appeal as a travel destination, with safety playing a key role in its marketing strategy. Meanwhile, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado provided an update on the status of foreign workers previously employed by POGOs, now rebranded as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs). According to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) records, around 33,000 IGL workers were registered prior to the ban. Of this number, approximately 23,000 to 24,000 have voluntarily left the Philippines, with many opting to downgrade their working visas to tourist visas. However, Mr. Viado noted that around 8,000 foreign IGL workers remain in the country, including 1,000 who have yet to regularize their visa status. "A thousand of them are unaccounted for or IGL workers who did not downgrade their visas," he said. He warned that those who fail to comply with the December 31 deadline to leave the country will face blacklisting. "After Dec. 31, the bureau would start blacklisting them," Mr. Viado emphasized. The POGO ban, ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address in July, was implemented to address the rising number of crimes linked to offshore gaming operations. Authorities have reported incidents of human trafficking, money laundering, and financial scams tied to POGOs, prompting the government to take decisive action. The decision to phase out POGOs aligns with broader efforts to enhance national security and economic stability. Critics of POGOs have long argued that their operations posed risks to public safety and tarnished the country’s image abroad. The administration’s move to ban POGOs has been widely praised by various sectors, including law enforcement and civic organizations, for tackling these issues head-on. While the economic impact of the ban has been a subject of debate, initial indicators suggest that the benefits outweigh the costs. The boost in tourism numbers reflects a positive trend, with foreign visitors increasingly viewing the Philippines as a safe and welcoming destination. Local businesses in the hospitality and travel sectors have also reported growth, further solidifying the case for prioritizing tourism over controversial industries like offshore gaming. Looking ahead, the BI and other government agencies remain vigilant in enforcing the ban and ensuring compliance among former POGO workers. Efforts are underway to track down unaccounted foreign nationals and prevent unauthorized activities that could undermine the country’s security and reputation. Read related article: Senate Bill Forfeits Confiscated POGO Assets in Favor of Gov’t

Philippine immigration data shows that around 8,000 foreign offshore gaming operator (POGO) workers have downgraded their work visas to tourist visas.  Around 8,000 foreign Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) workers who downgraded their work visas to tourist visas have yet to voluntarily leave the country, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).  This comes less than two weeks before the December 31, 2024 deadline for POGO hubs to cease operations.  An estimated 23,000 to 24,000 of these POGO workers have voluntarily departed the country after downgrading their visas, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said on December 19. This number is out of 33,000 foreign POGO workers registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. "But there is a substantial number [of workers who still remain in the country], I think about 7,000 to 8,000," he said during the BI’s year-end press briefing. Beyond Chinese individuals, who make up majority of the POGO foreigner workforce, there are also some workers from beyond Asia. "There are even some from Africa. So it involves various nationalities—it’s not confined to just one nationality," he said. Viado however also pointed out that around 1,000 foreigners, remained "unaccounted for" as they had not yet applied for the voluntary downgrading of their visas. He said they “will continue to seek them out also.”  Following President Marcos’ order to ban POGOs in the country, which he announced during his State of the Nation Address in July, the BI, under the directive of the Department of Justice, allowed foreign POGO workers to voluntarily downgrade their work visas until October 18. After that window, those who volunteered to downgrade to tourist visas were given until December 31 to voluntarily leave the country. The grace period, according to officials, should give them enough time to wind down their business before totally closing operations. The visas of the 1,000 workers still unaccounted for were canceled. The cancellation came with an "order to leave," but Viado said they still have until December 31 to downgrade. "Beyond December 31, if they fail to downgrade, visit our office, and leave, they will be blacklisted and subject to deportation proceedings. That is what will happen to those who fail to voluntarily depart and downgrade within the period specified by the bureau and other agencies," the BI chief added. President Marcos issued a warning last week to those still running guerrilla or rogue POGO and internet gaming licensees (IGLs) after the cancellation of their licenses. Viado said the Bureau remained on the lookout for large POGO operations still defying the ban by splintering into smaller, "guerrilla"-style operations. "We continue to pursue them, in cooperation with other agencies involved in this matter, in line with the President’s directive to sustain efforts in shutting down and cracking down on these POGO companies," he said. Read related article: 24,000 POGO Employees Leave PH as Industry Shutdown Looms

24,000 former POGO workers have departed the Philippines while 8,000 converted their work visas to visitor visas.  The Philippine government is making significant strides in its crackdown on the offshore gaming industry, with thousands of former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) employees already leaving the country. Government news wire Philippine News Agency said approximately 24,000 individuals previously employed by POGOs have departed the Philippines. This figure represents a substantial portion of the 33,000 workers registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), as per immigration data. Furthermore, around 8,000 POGO workers have transitioned their work visas to visitor visas. Immigration authorities have stated that the number of unaccounted-for individuals is relatively small, with less than a thousand remaining. "There are only a few left. Less than a thousand are unaccounted for. We will continue to seek them out," an immigration official stated. The Philippine government has mandated the closure of all POGO operations by December 31, 2024. Following the deadline, authorities will begin "blacklisting" any remaining POGO entities. The move to expel foreign POGO workers aligns with the Philippine president's earlier directive to shut down the offshore gaming industry. This decision has been driven by concerns regarding increased crime rates, illegal activities, and social issues linked to the proliferation of POGO operations. The government's efforts to dismantle the POGO industry are expected to have a significant impact on the country's economy. While the industry generated substantial revenue, it also raised concerns about tax evasion, money laundering, and the exploitation of foreign workers. The departure of thousands of POGO employees presents both challenges and opportunities for the Philippine government. Authorities will need to address the potential social and economic consequences of job losses while also exploring alternative avenues for economic growth and employment generation. Read related article:   POGO Hubs in Bamban, Porac Are Now Ghost Towns

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga are now ghost towns after the POGO ban.  The once bustling Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga now resemble ghost towns. Six months after raids shut them down due to alleged criminal activities, a sense of stillness hangs heavy in the air. In Bamban, the sprawling compound of dismissed Mayor Alice Guo , who faces charges related to illegal POGO operations, presents a stark contrast to its former vibrancy. Unkempt grass now blankets the grounds, interspersed with dust-covered luxury vehicles. The Olympic-sized swimming pool, once a centerpiece of the opulent complex, lies empty, its water supply cut off. Inside, the offices bear the marks of hasty abandonment. Partitions are broken, and discarded belongings, spoiled food, and scattered garbage litter the floors, painting a picture of the chaos that ensued during the raid. The POGO hub in Porac tells a similar story. The Lucky South 99   compound, once teeming with activity, is now eerily quiet. Only a few remain – security guards and the occasional stray goat grazing on the overgrown grounds. The once-occupied dormitories, hastily vacated by POGO workers, are now filled with cobwebs and the lingering scent of decay. The government aims to repurpose these abandoned hubs. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has plans to utilize these properties for the public good, potentially transforming them into schools, training centers, or even social welfare facilities. “Ang iniisip natin dito is mapakinabangan ng gobyerno. Like yung mga malalaking POGO hubs na yan, pwedeng gawing mga eskwelahan niya, pwedeng gawing mga kampo o training centers. Kung halimbawa, manalo yung kaso namin at maging property ito ng gobyerno at pwede namang ibenta kasi yung mga biktima ng human trafficking pwede silang matulungan nito (The government can benefit from this. The big POGO hubs can be turned into classrooms, camps or training centers. If we win the case, these POGO hubs can become government properties and also be sold and used to help human rights victims),” said PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz, as reported by GMA News. However, the economic impact of the POGO ban is significant. Leechiu Property Consultants estimates that over a million square meters of office space will remain vacant after the POGO ban, impacting the real estate market for years to come. READ: PH Office Leasing Market Expanded By 4% Despite POGO Ban The POGO industry, while once a significant contributor to the Philippine economy, is now a distant memory, leaving behind a trail of abandoned structures and a lingering sense of uncertainty. Read related article: PH Government to Seize POGO-Owned Assets

A house helper was locked in by her employer who was allegedly operating a POGO in Paranaque City.  A house helper was rescued in Paranaque City after being locked in by her employer who was allegedly running a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub. The helper was not allowed to go outside since November, according to a GMA News report.  “Nag-start ng November na ‘di na siya pinapalabas, restricted na galaw niya. Kahit sa paggamit ng cellphone, di na siya pinapagamit ng maayos (It started in November that she was no longer allowed to go out, her movements were restricted. Even when using a cell phone, she is not allowed to use it),” said NBI agent Terence Long-e. Once she found out about the illegal activities of the POGO hub, the helper claimed that she wasn't allowed to go out of the premises.  “Noong bigla ako umakyat doon at nakita ko na ganun ang trabaho nila. Noong malaman ko binabawalan na nila akong umakyat, bawal na ako lumabas kasi baka magkwento raw ako sa labas. Binabawalan nila akong maglinis sa third floor. Natatakot po ako (When I went up there, I saw what they were doing. When I found out what they were really doing they banned me from going upstairs, I wasn't allowed to go out because I might tell someone about this outside. They forbid me to clean the third floor. I'm afraid)," the helper shared.  "Nakakita kami ng mga written script which indicates social engineering scheme, may cryptocurrency scripts, may money muling, may nakita kaming romance scam script (We found written scripts on social engineering schemes, cryptocurrency scams, money muling, and romance scam scripts)," said NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc.   NBI suspects that they "splintered" operations ever since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned POGOs this year. Seven were arrested in the operation, but refused to comment on the matter.  The suspects will face multiple charges, including violations of the Kasmbahay Law and the Anti-Human Trafficking In Persons Act.  Read related article: Chinese Man Convicted For Running POGO-linked Prostitution Ring

Alice Guo and her family members are facing charges for owning land as alleged foreigners. Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and her family members are facing serious legal trouble. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed charges of falsification and violating the Anti-Dummy Law against them before the Department of Justice on December 17, 2024. During a press conference, NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin disclosed that charges have been filed against former Mayor Alice Guo, her parents Jiang Zhong Guo and Lin Wenyi, and her siblings Shiela and Siemen Guo.  These charges arise from the family's acquisition of four parcels of land for their 3Lin-Q Farm in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. Lavin stated that the NBI's investigation has unequivocally established the Guo family members as Chinese citizens, despite their previous assertions of Filipino citizenship. “They misrepresented themselves as Filipino citizens when the NBI was able to sufficiently establish that they are Chinese citizens,” Lavin said, as reported by GMA News.  NBI investigations revealed that the family members are actually Chinese citizens, based on forensic fingerprint analysis and records from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration. This alleged misrepresentation violates Philippine laws regarding foreign ownership of property. The NBI further alleges that the Guos lied about their residency in Bulacan, as evidenced by a barangay certification. The NBI is seeking the forfeiture of the land parcels involved in the transaction, meaning the government could seize the properties.  “This involves the State seizing assets or proceeds, transferring them to the government, and in this instance, to the NBI,” he explained. He further noted that the forfeiture would initially include parcels of land in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. This case serves as a stark reminder for government agencies to thoroughly verify information and ensure compliance with regulations. Guo maintains her Filipino citizenship and denies any involvement in illegal gambling operations. Read related article:   Contempt Orders vs. Cassie Ong, Alice Guo, Tony Yang Lifted

The PH government is trying to fast-track the process of acquiring the seized properties and assets of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The Philippine government is intensifying efforts to expedite the forfeiture of assets linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s issuance of Executive Order 74, which bans POGOs and related offshore gaming activities nationwide. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized the administration's commitment to accelerating the seizure process while ensuring adherence to due process. "We are already doing everything to hasten the process, except that we have to give due process to whoever appears to be the holder of those assets. Hindi namin pwede i-grab basta (We could not grab it without due process) but they already have in place laws and regulations about forfeiture," Bersamin was quoted as saying in a PNA report during a recent event at Malacañan Palace. He acknowledged that existing forfeiture laws are in place but described the current process as "very slow." The Senate is considering legislation to authorize the government to confiscate all properties, materials, equipment, and proceeds associated with illegal POGOs. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, a proponent of the measure, noted that the bill aims to address legal gaps in the acquisition and management of seized POGO properties.  Bersamin indicated that President Marcos does not need to issue a new directive regarding the forfeiture of POGO assets, as it is "already a given" that properties involved in criminal activities would be seized by the state. He elaborated that once confiscated, these assets would be repurposed for legitimate government use. "Those buildings will become assets of the government, so the government will dispose of them as its judgment will guide," he explained. The Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) has been cited as a legal basis for the government's authority to seize and utilize POGO properties. Senator Risa Hontiveros highlighted that AFASA provides mechanisms for the state to confiscate assets linked to financial crimes, which can be applied to illegal POGO operations.  The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has reported that assets worth approximately P30 billion, including over 100 vehicles, have been seized from raided POGO hubs.  These confiscations are part of a broader crackdown on illegal offshore gaming operations, which have been associated with various criminal activities, including human trafficking, money laundering, and financial scams. Read related article: Senate Bill Forfeits Confiscated POGO Assets in Favor of Gov’t

A witness linked Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte; Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband, Manases “Mans” Carpio; and Michael Yang to large-scale drug shipments.  The Philippine House of Representatives' Quad Committee has unveiled a complex network intertwining the illegal drug trade, Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), and alleged extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. The committee, comprising the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts, has conducted over 13 hearings to dissect these interrelated issues. The Tale of Two Shipments Antipolo City Representative Romeo Acop presented a detailed account of two significant drug shipments smuggled into the Philippines during the height of Duterte's war on drugs. The first incident in 2017 involved P6.4 billion worth of shabu (methamphetamine) concealed in metal cylinders, while the second in 2018 saw P3.4 billion worth of shabu hidden in magnetic lifters. Both shipments passed through the Manila International Container Port without detection. Testimonies from former Customs personnel Jimmy Guban and businessman Mark Taguba implicated high-profile individuals, including Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband Manases “Mans” Carpio, and former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, in facilitating these shipments.  Taguba alleged that approval from these individuals was necessary for the shipments to proceed.  Acop emphasized the recurring involvement of these figures. He was quoted as saying in a PNA report: "They allegedly control these shipments. Kung gusto mo madali, lumapit ka sa Davao boys. Yun po ang turo sa kanya [Taguba] (If you wanted things to move smoothly, you just have to approach the Davao boys. That's what was taught to him). "Pareho pong bilyon-bilyon ang halaga ng shabu na ipinasok... parehong dawit ang mga pangalan nina honorable Paolo Duterte, Atty. Mans Carpio, at Michael Yang (Both shipments were worth billions... and the same names—Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio, and Michael Yang—were implicated)." The 'Tara' System and Corruption at the Bureau of Customs The investigation shed light on the entrenched "tara system," a form of bribery within the Bureau of Customs (BOC) that allowed illicit shipments to bypass inspections. Acop explained that paying PHP1 million could ensure a container avoided X-ray and physical inspections, enabling large drug hauls to enter the country undetected. He stated, "It's grease money, lagay, given to the officials of the Bureau of Customs among others to push them into a more simple assessment of in-bound goods." Michael Yang's Alleged Involvement in the Drug Trade The committee revisited intelligence reports by dismissed police colonel Eduardo Acierto, which identified Michael Yang as central to a "complicated and organized network" involved in the illegal drug trade, alongside business partners Allan Lim and Johnson Co. Acierto's diagram depicted Lim as the local source, Yang managing the importation side, and Co as the distributor. Yang's name surfaced in investigations, including his alleged role in the dismantled Dumoy laboratory in Davao City, where six Chinese nationals were killed during a December 2004 raid. Acop noted Yang's evolution from facilitating precursor chemicals to orchestrating large-scale smuggling operations, stating, "From receiving shipments of precursors from the ports and transporting them, malayo na ang narating ni Michael Yang. He eventually managed to develop contacts in the Bureau of Customs and evolved into a facilitator of shipments of shabu." Connections to POGOs and Organized Crime The investigation also uncovered links between Yang and POGOs through entities like DCLA Company Inc., which operates DCLA Plaza shopping mall in Davao City, reported to host activities related to illegal drugs. Another entity, Paili Holdings Corporation, owns Paili Estate, which constructed Clark Majestic World—a site where Chinese nationals were arrested for kidnapping incidents tied to organized crime. Acop highlighted the broader implications of these connections, questioning the lack of action against Yang despite multiple reports of his involvement in the drug trade. He remarked, "Madami at paulit-ulit na ang lumilitaw na koneksyon ni Michael Yang sa business ng droga pero nakakapagtaka na rin sa gitna ng isang state policy called the war on drugs, where thousands were killed kahit sabi-sabi lang ang basis, wala pa rin nakakagalaw against Michael Yang (Several connections between Michael Yang and the drug trade have repeatedly surfaced, but it is puzzling that in the midst of a state policy called the war on drugs, where thousands were killed on the basis of tattles, Michael Yang remained untouchable)." Alleged Reward System for Extrajudicial Killings The committee alleged that the Duterte administration’s war on drugs incentivized extrajudicial killings through a reward system, with rewards ranging from P20,000 to P1 million. This claim was supported by testimonies from former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Royina Garma and former National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo. Acop described it as "such a strong but perverse incentive to play along with the war on drugs." Calls for Legislative Reforms Acop pledged that the committee would leave "no stone unturned" in its investigation and would push for legislative reforms to prevent such abuses from recurring. He stated, "We will continue our inquiry and ensure that we amend our laws to prevent the recurrence of the events we have uncovered." Read related article: Hontiveros “web” links Ex-Pres Duterte, Yang to POGOs

Senator Risa Hontiveros recommended that the seized POGO properties be sold and the money would go to the victims of human trafficking. The push to permanently ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) is gaining traction as senators advocate for the passage of the proposed Anti-POGO Act of 2024. The legislation, which seeks to address legal loopholes in the acquisition and management of seized POGO properties, was highlighted by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.  Under the proposed measure, “all assets” associated with POGOs would be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the government. These include buildings, facilities, gaming equipment, and other paraphernalia used directly or indirectly in illegal activities. Gatchalian, chair of the Senate ways and means committee, emphasized that the law's implementing rules and regulations (IRR) would clearly outline the process for asset forfeiture.   The need for this legislation became more urgent following concerns raised by Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty, head of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. Ty noted that there is currently no clear legal mandate allowing the government to “provisionally use” assets seized from POGOs before the forfeiture process is completed.   Adding to the challenge is the lack of a comprehensive inventory of the properties raided or shut down. The government has yet to disclose detailed information about the number, floor area, and value of buildings seized in key locations such as Bamban in Tarlac and Porac in Pampanga.   The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission has proposed repurposing these properties for public use, such as government offices, schools, or evacuation centers. However, thorough inspections are still required to determine the suitability of the seized assets for these purposes.   READ: Gov’t urged to repurpose seized POGOs as evacuation centers Senate Urges Support for Anti-POGO Act   In a speech delivered on December 9, 2024, Gatchalian called on his colleagues to support Senate Bill No. 2868, also known as the Anti-POGO Act of 2024. The bill is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down all internet gaming companies targeting Chinese bettors abroad by December 31, 2024.   Senator Joel Villanueva, another strong advocate for the measure, believes the bill will expedite the management and disposition of confiscated POGO assets. He also stressed that the legislation would complement the President's order to end POGO operations, which have been linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, torture, cyber scams, murder, prostitution, and human trafficking.   Villanueva was quoted as saying in an Inquirer report, “We made sure that the measure covers all essential aspects, including the forfeiture of POGO assets and the destruction of gaming equipment and paraphernalia.”   Seized Assets to Benefit Victims   Senator Risa Hontiveros, who led Senate inquiries into POGO-related crimes, introduced an amendment to the Anti-Financial Account and Scamming Act. The amendment allows authorities to utilize confiscated assets to indemnify victims of human trafficking and other crimes linked to POGOs.   Hontiveros proposed that seized properties be sold, with proceeds directed to the victims. She expressed hope that the IRR for the law would be released soon to guide agencies involved in implementing the POGO ban.   POGO Operations Uncovered in Davao del Norte   Meanwhile, a recent raid in Davao del Norte revealed ongoing illegal POGO operations. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents, initially dispatched to rescue a Malaysian national allegedly held captive, instead discovered a suspected POGO hub in Panabo City.   The raid uncovered 55 Chinese nationals, three Malaysians, and one Filipino worker operating at the site. Authorities also seized 50 computers believed to be used for illegal online gambling activities.   According to Ely Leano, spokesperson for the NBI's southeastern Mindanao regional office, the agency has filed cases of syndicated estafa and online illegal gambling under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 against the 59 workers. Leano stated that they are applying for a cyber warrant to analyze data stored on the seized computers.   The NBI is also investigating local officials and business owners connected to the operation. Barangay officials, including councilors and the barangay chair, as well as licensing officials, have been subpoenaed to determine how the POGO was allowed to operate.   A Davao businessman who owns the warehouse is also under investigation to assess his involvement, if any, in the illegal operation. “We are still conducting a deeper investigation and case building against those possibly involved,” said Leano.   Moving Toward a POGO-Free Philippines   As the Senate pushes forward with the Anti-Pogo Act, the government is determined to shut down remaining operations and repurpose confiscated assets. With increasing reports of Pogos linked to crimes and exploitation, lawmakers are unified in their commitment to eliminate this controversial industry for good.   The proposed legislation not only aims to close legal gaps in asset management but also seeks to provide justice to victims of POGO-related crimes.  Read related article: IACAT Notes "Absence of Provision" for Seized POGO Properties