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A new tactic has emerged: POGOs rebranding themselves as business process outsourcing (BPO) companies and moving down south of the Philippines. The Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) industry, once a booming sector, has been facing increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressure. Now, a new tactic has emerged: POGOs rebranding themselves as business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has warned that some POGO firms, after being fragmented into smaller groups, are adopting the BPO guise to evade detection. This strategy, according to PAOCC Director Winnie Quidato, poses a significant threat to the legitimate BPO industry. "The large POGO companies that we have raided before are now breaking down into smaller groups. Some are even rebranding themselves as BPOs," Quidato stated in a Senate hearing, as reported by Manila Standard. READ: BPO Raid Linked to POGO Sparks Debate on Enforcement Limits The hearing about POGOs was the Senate’s last, with the committee expected to wrap up the proceedings on November 26, 2024.  Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed these concerns, expressing fears that the reputation of the BPO industry could be tarnished by the actions of these disguised POGO operations. She has called for stricter monitoring and enforcement to prevent such rebranding. During the hearing, PAOCC also bared that many POGO operations are relocating to the Visayas and Mindanao regions, often disguised as legitimate businesses. PAOCC Director Winnie Quidato stated that the agency has observed a significant increase in POGO activities outside of Luzon. “Because PAOCC is active in Luzon, we found that most of POGOs are now in several Visayas areas and even Mindanao. They are there now,” he said. To further conceal their operations, Quidato noted that former POGO employees are rebranding themselves as BPO workers. "We've been monitoring those who used to work for POGOs, and we've observed that some only change their names at the SEC and pretend to be BPO," he explained, as reported by the Inquirer.  Read related article:   PAGCOR Calls For Vigilance Amid POGOs “Masquerading” As BPOs

Dismissed Mayor Alice Guo is suspected of acting as an "agent of influence" for POGO interests. An intelligence official described dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo as an "agent of influence" as the Senate tried to wrap up its hearing on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) on November 26, 2024.  Asked by Senator Risa Hontiveros on whether National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) has determined if Guo is a spy, Deputy Director General Ashely Acedillo testified that available intelligence suggests the former Bamban mayor is acting as an agent of influence. "Within historical context, given that these activities have been common especially during the Cold War, the activities and the facts that have come to light so far in this committee and other committees especially in the House [of Representatives], point to the fact that she is [an agent of influence]. And even in discussions within the intelligence community, there is a consensus that indeed she is an agent of influence," NICA Deputy Director General Ashley Acedillo said, as reported by GMA News Online.  The National Bureau of Investigation earlier said that Alice Guo’s fingerprints matched with a certain Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping. Acedillo pointed out that he cannot categorically confirm if Guo is a spy.  “It requires a determination of fact. Meaning, the intelligence agency to which that trained her, employed her, and supervised her, or controlled her, either confirms or an officer of that agency confirms the existence or the fact rather of Ms. Guo Hua Ping being their agent,” Acedillo said, as reported by the Inquirer. Guo did not attend the Senate hearing as it conflicts with a hearing at the Pasig Regional Trial Court. The Senate initially requested for Guo and 5 others to be allowed to attend but a judge denied the appeal, according to ABS-CBN News.  The controversial mayor is currently facing a non-bailable charge of qualified human trafficking for allegedly conspiring to allow an illegal POGO in her town.  Read related article: AMLC to Probe Banks Linked to Guo, POGO Money Laundering

During a POGO raid in Paranaque,  officers were found to have planted firearms and attempted to destroy closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings. A high-ranking police officer is facing dismissal from the service for failing to prevent the unlawful arrest, detention, and robbery of four Chinese nationals by his subordinates.  The incident, which occurred during a police raid in Parañaque City last September 16, 2023, led to an investigation by the PNP Internal Affairs Service. PNP did not disclose the name of the official.  “The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has concluded its investigation into the controversial police operation conducted in September 2023, recommending the dismissal of a police general under the principle of command responsibility and gross neglect of duty. This decision underscores the PNP's unwavering commitment to accountability and integrity within its ranks,” IAS Inspector General Brigido J. Dulay said in a statement, as reported by the Manila Bulletin.   The officer was found guilty of command responsibility and gross neglect of duty.  Last September, ten Chinese nationals and a Filipino were arrested during a police operation, while several other Chinese nationals were rescued. Police reported seizing P4.6 million in cash. However, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) later discovered irregularities in the operation.  The arrested individuals complained of arbitrary detention and the illegal confiscation of personal belongings not listed in the search warrant. Investigations revealed that police officers confiscated P27 million in cash not included in the warrant and intentionally omitted other valuables from the official inventory. The officers were also found to have planted firearms, attempted to destroy CCTV footage, and deactivated their body-worn cameras during the operation. The incident sparked a congressional investigation, revealing that the victims were held captive, deprived of their rights, and extorted for millions of pesos. At the time, the PNP has vowed to address the issue and take strict action against erring personnel. Read related article: Senator Sounds Alarm on Officials “Coaching” POGOs

Handoyo Salman, an Indonesian fugitive linked to Central One PH, has been deported. He was one of 42 foreigners nabbed from a suspected POGO in Bagac, Bataan. An Indonesian fugitive involved in the operations of a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bagac, Bataan has been deported, the Bureau of Immigration announced on November 25, 2024.  The Indonesian, identified as Handoyo Salman, was allegedly wanted in connection with alleged scamming activities, money laundering, and online gambling. He was accused of orchestrating online scams that reportedly totaled 900 billion rupees, or roughly P3.3 billion. He has been transferred to Indonesian authorities.  Salman was also the team leader and operations of Central One Bataan.  READ: PAGCOR Denies Jurisdiction Over Raided BPO in Bataan According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), as reported by GMA News, Salman was sent back to Indonesia on November 21, 2024. Salman was among 42 foreigners arrested during a raid on Central One PH, which operated as a business process outsourcing, but was accused of using this as a front for a POGO Hub.  According to a November 4 GMA News report, other foreigners arrested were Malaysians, Chinese, Thai, Pakistani, Bangladesh, Vietnamese, and Brazilians. READ: P112M Cash Found During Follow Up Ops vs. Raided Bataan BPO BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the rest of the foreigners are still undergoing deportation proceedings, clarifying that they have not been freed.  “All 41 foreign nationals are still registered in our system, with cases ongoing. Should they be found liable, they will also face deportation in accordance with Philippine law,” Viado said. Authorities raided Central One PH on October 31, 2024. The company's legal team questioned the operation's legitimacy, claiming that some of their cameras were tampered during the operation.  Former  PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio was also accused of slapping one of the company's employees during the raid. Casio has been relieved from the position, and has taken responsibility for the incident.  Read related article: PAOCC Relieves Spox Winston Casio For “Slapping” POGO Worker

Vice President Sara Duterte claims that recent statements regarding former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has sparked speculations on his whereabouts. Speculations have surfaced regarding former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque allegedly leaving the Philippines amidst an ongoing investigation linking him to questionable activities involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).  This follows statements from Vice President Sara Duterte hinting at his possible departure. Authorities earlier described Roque as a “fugitive.”  "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 Sec. Harry Roque, didn't want to leave the country because his children would be left behind. But look at him now, he left anyway)," Vice President Duterte said, as reported by the Philippine Star.  "But no, hindi, bastos sila, bastos din kami (But no, they're rude, so we'll be rude too)," she added during her November 23, 2024 virtual press conference. The House of Representatives Quad Committee issued an arrest order for Harry Roque on September 12 after he failed to appear before the panel and submit documents related to an inquiry into his alleged unexplained wealth. The investigation links Roque to Lucky South 99, an alleged POGO based in Porac, Pampanga.  On August 6, Roque was placed under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin, which tracks international travel but does not restrict individuals from leaving the country. This loophole could have allowed Roque to depart despite ongoing legal scrutiny. Roque has denied being a fugitive, claiming he is not evading justice.  He has also been allegedly linked to the controversial Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, which lawmakers are currently investigating.  Read related article: Supreme Court Denies Harry Roque Plea to Stop House Arrest

Metro Manila has a new police chief after a flawed raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Ermita. A shakeup within the Philippine National Police (PNP) is underway as they named a new police chief for metropolitan Manila.  Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin was appointed chief of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) starting November 23, 2024.  This comes in the wake of a controversial raid on a suspected POGO hub in Manila, which authorities earlier described as “flawed” due to the mishandling of the situation. Former NCRPO Chief Gen. Sidney Hernia and PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Head Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga were both administratively relieved due to the incident.  Hernia has been reassigned to head the Area Police Command-Southern Luzon.  READ: Here’s why PAOCC described Manila POGO raid as “flawed” Both officers were administratively relieved due to allegations of misconduct and irregularities during the October 29 raid. The raid, which targeted a POGO hub in Ermita, Manila, involved the PNP-ACG and the NCRPO.  However, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has distanced itself from the operation, citing concerns about its execution. Police officers reportedly tampered with CCTV cameras during a post-raid probe at the hub.  The PAOCC has expressed disappointment over the release of 69 foreign nationals due to legal constraints imposed by the Bureau of Immigration. “The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission was not part of the raid that was spearheaded by the PNP NCRPO [National Capital Region Police Office] and the PNP ACG. We were never consulted nor informed regarding this operation. We never release any foreign nationals caught in POGOs. Please do not associate PAOCC with flawed operations,” said the PAOCC statement released November 4. Read related article: 3 Cops Relieved for Tampering with CCTV in Manila POGO Raid

Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised concerns about government officials allegedly "coaching" POGOs on how to mask their continued operations. Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised concerns about government officials allegedly "coaching" offshore gaming hubs on how to disguise their continued operations. According to the senator, some officials are advising Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to rebrand their activities as legitimate businesses, such as restaurants, resorts, or BPO firms. “POGOs are still operating, and they are getting more creative. They are finding ways to change or conceal their identity. We received reports that some government officials were the ones giving them such advice," Hontiveros revealed during a November 23, 2024 forum, as reported by Asia Gaming Brief. It can be recalled that Central One PH , a BPO company in Bataan, was raided by authorities due to suspicions of illegal POGO operations. During the raid, authorities discovered a significant amount of cash, estimated to be around P112 million. READ: P112M Cash Found During Follow Up Ops vs. Raided Bataan BPO The company has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the funds are for operational expenses. However, the arrest of foreign nationals linked to the company and the ongoing investigation have raised questions about the true nature of Central One PH's activities. She further warned those involved, stating, “It’s the phenomenon we are observing. No names have been given to us, but it’s clear that this is happening. Let this serve as a warning: If you’re involved, you know who you are. Stop it now." The issue of POGO operators masking their activities has also been echoed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who noted instances where POGOs have disguised themselves as restaurants and resorts to evade scrutiny. Hontiveros stressed the gravity of these actions, cautioning that they could lead to severe legal repercussions for both the operators and complicit officials. She urged local governments to remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to curb illegal POGO activities within their areas. “If the regulators and members of the executive mandated to enforce the law are the ones violating it, their accountability is even heavier,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of ethical governance in addressing this growing issue. Read related article: Raid in BPO Accused of POGO Operations Sparks Debate Over Enforcement Limits

A follow-up raid in Central One PH, a BPO firm allegedly tied to illegal POGOs in Bataan, resulted in PNP finding P112 million cash in its vaults. Authorities uncovered a staggering P112 million in cash during a follow-up raid on Central One PH, a business process outsourcing (BPO) company suspected of operating an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bagac, Bataan. The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) executed a court order to open 14 vaults within the Bataan facility. This operation was part of an ongoing investigation into the company's alleged involvement in illegal online gambling. The seizure of the substantial amount of cash has fueled speculation about the extent of Central One PH's POGO activities. The company, which employs over 1,600 individuals, has maintained its innocence, claiming the funds are for operational expenses, salaries, and supplier payments. READ: Senator Warns Ex-POGO Workers Starting Firms for Online Scams However, the arrest of five foreign nationals, including Indonesian fugitive Handoyo Salman, who is accused of fraud and money laundering, has further implicated the company in illicit activities. Salman, reportedly the head of the company's budget department, is believed to have played a key role in the alleged POGO operation. Law enforcement agencies are now scrutinizing the seized cash and documents to gather evidence and build a strong case against Central One PH. The recovered items will be transported to Camp Crame in Quezon City before being presented in court in Malolos, Bulacan. Central One PH has asserted its cooperation with authorities and has witnessed the execution of the break-open order. Specialized tools were employed to open the vaults, a process that was carefully monitored by law enforcement officials. Central One PH has earlier maintained that it was operating a BPO office and had denied any human trafficking operations.  Read related article: 700 Filipinos Rescued from Bataan POGO Hub Involved in Scams

Senator Risa Hontiveros says LGUs are "liable" if they fail to detect Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in their jurisdiction. Senator Risa Hontiveros has issued a stern warning to local government units (LGUs), saying they could be held "liable" if they fail to detect and address the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) within their jurisdictions. This statement follows recent reports revealing that some POGOs are trying to evade detection by disguising their activities as legitimate businesses, such as restaurants and resorts. Hontiveros was responding to comments made by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who disclosed that certain POGOs were attempting to circumvent the ongoing POGO ban by using these "disguises" to operate under the radar. She said that LGUs have a significant responsibility in detecting these illegal operations, and their failure to do so could result in serious consequences. “LGUs have liabilities, and even the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other departments mentioned in a hearing that they are looking forward to the amendment of the local government code to strengthen the power of the DILG and LGUs to identify, investigate, probe, and discipline local government officials who are providing legal cover to Pogos,” Hontiveros said during the Kapihan sa Senado forum on November 21, 2024.  This warning from the senator comes amid increasing concerns about the tactics being used by POGOs to evade the government’s efforts to shut them down. Earlier, Hontiveros had highlighted an alarming rise in "guerilla scam operations," which are suspected of being linked to POGO activities, further complicating the situation. These emerging scams are believed to be taking advantage of the confusion surrounding the Pogo crackdown. In July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on Pogo operations in the Philippines, citing concerns over the negative impact of these operations on the country’s economy and society. During his third State of the Nation Address, Marcos instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to wind down and cease all Pogo activities by the end of 2024. This move was seen as a response to growing public frustration with the presence of Pogos, which were frequently associated with illegal activities, including online gambling, human trafficking, and financial scams. READ:   President Marcos Signs Executive Order 74 Enforcing POGO Ban Hontiveros emphasized that LGUs must be proactive in investigating and uncovering any POGO operations in their areas, as well as holding accountable those who may be turning a blind eye to these activities.  “LGUs have liabilities and even the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) and other departments mentioned in a hearing that they are looking forward to the amendment of the local government code to strengthen the power of the DILG and LGUs to identify, investigate, probe, and discipline local government officials who are providing legal cover to POGOs,” Senator Hontiveros was quoted as saying in an Inquirer report. In addition to the potential liabilities for LGUs, Hontiveros noted that there are ongoing efforts within the DILG to amend the local government code. These changes would grant the department and LGUs more power to investigate and take action against officials who may be involved in shielding POGO operations. This amendment aims to ensure that local government units have the necessary authority and tools to crack down on these illegal activities.  Hontiveros’s call for stronger enforcement by LGUs highlights the need for a more coordinated approach to tackling Pogo-related issues across the country. She believes that local government units must be held accountable for ensuring that illegal operations are identified and shut down promptly.   Read related article: PAGCOR Calls For Vigilance Amid POGOs “Masquerading” As BPOs

Online gambling has affected 960,000 high school and college students in Indonesia based on data from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. Approximately 960,000 high school and college students in Indonesia are involved in online gambling activities, a government official said.  "The number of students who are involved in online gambling reaches 960 thousand to date," Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro disclosed this during a press conference held on November 21, 2024, as reported by ANTARA News Agency.  The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is undertaking measures to address the pervasive issue of online gambling among university students. As part of this endeavor, a dedicated online reporting channel is being established. This channel will be mandatory for all public and private universities, providing a platform for students to report instances of online gambling and seek support. READ: Online Casino Addiction Among South Korean Teens Soars "The ministry instructs every leader of public and private universities to prevent the participation of lecturers, students, and educators in online gambling," Brodjonegoro shared.  Online gambling is currently illegal in Indonesia, and authorities are working to block bank accounts of authorities who are linked to online gambling, while mounting information campaigns to crack down against illegal betting. READ: Younger Casino Crowd Growing with Gaming Innovations Government data also noted that some 380,000 online gambling sites in Indonesia have been shut down since October. “If we count from October 20, or the start of the new government,” the number of sites closed “has reached around 380,000," Meutya Hafid, communication and digital affairs minister said as quoted by Indonesian news site Bernama.  So far, Indonesia's central bank has said it will also freeze bank accounts affiliated with online gambling.  "Payment service providers, both banks and non-bank must have fraud detection systems to identify accounts used for online gambling transactions and other forms of fraud," central bank governor Juda Agung shared at a press conference, as reported by Bernala last November 21.  These accounts will be frozen. So far, some 7,500 bank accounts linked to onine gambling have been frozen. The central bank is also committing to information drives discouraging the public from gambling.  Malaysia's The Star also reported that around 104,819 sites related to online gambling were shut down since they formed a task force on online gambling eradication.  Read related story: Illegal Online Gambling Cases In Korea Triple Since COVID

The Philippine National Police found devices in the Ermita POGO hub that were allegedly used in cryptocurrency and scam activities. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has uncovered evidence linking a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Manila to illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies and scams. This revelation comes after a digital forensic examination was conducted on devices seized during a high-profile raid on October 29, 2024 at the Vertex Technologies office in Century Peak Tower, Ermita. Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, confirmed that investigators had already found significant evidence related to scam operations and cryptocurrency transactions, which were the focus of the cyber-warrant that authorized the raid. "Mayroon na silang nakita na mga ebidensya ng alleged and reported scamming activities and even yung mga cryptocurrencies, which is really the subject ng kanilang cyber-warrant (They have already found evidence of alleged and reported scamming activities, as well as cryptocurrencies, which are the main subject of the cyber-warrant)," Fajardo was quoted as saying by the Inquirer during a press briefing at Camp Crame. READ: Chinese Nationals Accuse PNP of Extorting P4M in POGO Raid Fajardo elaborated on the specifics of the investigation, mentioning that the forensic examination was ongoing, but early findings have already pointed to violations of the Securities Regulation Code, which governs financial transactions and investments. The presence of cryptocurrencies, commonly used in illicit transactions due to their anonymity, adds weight to the suspicion of illegal financial activity. The October raid was led by the PNP's Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) in collaboration with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), executed under a cyber-warrant targeting Vertex Technologies, a company allegedly involved in love and cryptocurrency scams. These scams are often designed to lure individuals into fraudulent financial schemes by exploiting emotions or promising high returns on investments in digital currencies. Vertex Technologies is believed to have been operating out of the 23rd floor of Century Peak Tower, a commercial building in Ermita. The company allegedly used sophisticated technology to run their operations, targeting foreign nationals and convincing them to invest in fake or non-existent cryptocurrency projects. As part of their investigation, the police have also been examining the devices and IT-related equipment seized during the raid, looking for further evidence of criminal activity. While the investigation is still in its early stages, Fajardo assured the public that once the forensic examination is complete, formal charges will be filed against the company’s operators and directors. These charges could include violations of the Securities Regulation Code, as well as other potential crimes related to fraud and cybercrime. Read related article: Century Peak Alleges Unwarranted Raid, Plans To Sue PNP

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will aid human trafficking victims within the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is intensifying its commitment to aid victims of human trafficking, with a particular focus on those exploited within the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry.  READ: Alice Guo Pleads Not Guilty to Human Trafficking Charges The department's Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) offers comprehensive support to these individuals, addressing their multifaceted needs, including psychosocial, social, and economic concerns.  This program is pivotal in helping victims rebuild their lives and recover from the traumatic experiences they have endured. READ: 23 Women Rescued From POGO-Linked Sex Trafficking Ring Senator Imee Marcos underscored the significance of the RRPTP during recent deliberations on the 2025 budget. In response to queries regarding government initiatives to combat human trafficking, the senator emphasized the program's crucial role in assisting victims. The RRPTP aims to facilitate the complete recovery and reintegration of trafficked individuals into society. The POGO industry has been implicated in various forms of human trafficking, encompassing both labor and sex trafficking.  Numerous individuals, often lured by promises of lucrative employment opportunities, find themselves ensnared in exploitative circumstances. Reports indicate that these workers are subjected to excessive work hours, deplorable working conditions, and physical as well as psychological abuse. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously signed Executive Order  74  banning POGOs, citing their potential for exploitation. However, some lawmakers expressed skepticism, arguing that certain measures within the proclamation were ambiguous and could lead to loopholes. Despite these concerns, the government's efforts to combat human trafficking and provide support to victims remain a priority. Read related article: Chinese National Coerces Women into Sexual Services for POGO Clients