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Harry Roque and his wife Mylah are still in the UAE, and the embassy is awaiting confirmation if they can use the arrest order from the House of Representatives. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and his wife, Mylah, remain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver confirmed the couple’s presence in the Gulf nation, as the embassy awaits instructions from Manila on how to proceed with Roque’s legal situation. The embassy is awaiting guidance from Manila on whether it can use the House of Representatives' arrest order against Roque to gather more information about his stay in the UAE, according to a report by The Philippine Daily Inquirer. “As of Thursday or Friday last week—meron din po kasi kaming napagtatanungan din, he is still in the UAE. Sila ng kanyang may bahay na si Mylah. Minarapat sana namin ngayong weekend para mag check, e hindi po available ang facility na ‘yun so we’ll try again today, Monday po,” Ver stated during an interview with Radyo 630. (As of Thursday or Friday last week, he is still in the UAE. He’s here together with his wife. We intended to check again during the weekend, but the facility to do so was unavailable, so we’ll try again today.) Ver also explained the challenges in accessing more details about Roque's status, citing privacy concerns and the need for official documents. “So mamaya susubukan namin kung meron din kaming instruction galing Manila na gamitin itong arrest order o warrant of arrest para makakuha pa ng impormasyon. Dahil ang awtoridad dito ay hindi na rin po magbibigay kung wala rin pong arrest warrant o Interpol notice kumbaga dahil meron ding privacy ang tao kung nandito man siya legally or illegally,” he added. (So later, we will try again, especially if there’s an instruction from Manila on whether we can use his outstanding arrest order to obtain more information. The authorities here will not disclose details without an arrest warrant or Interpol notice, as they uphold privacy whether he is here legally or illegally.) READ: Falsification Rap Eyed For Harry Roque After Possible Illegal Exit The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has earlier stated that Roque likely left the Philippines through unauthorized means. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that there are no records of Roque departing through formal channels, adding that his legal team is considering filing additional cases against him for his alleged illegal travel. Roque is linked to the qualified human trafficking case against Cassandra Li Ong and others involving the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99 Corp. He also faces an arrest order from the House of Representatives after being cited for contempt and failing to provide documents that could explain a sudden increase in his wealth. Read related article: Harry Roque Waiting For 2 Conditions Before Returning to PH

10 retired and active government officials may face charges from the House for being tied to POGOs, extra-judicial killings and illegal drugs. The House of Representatives quad committee is set to recommend charges against 10 former and active government officials for their alleged involvement in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), extrajudicial killings (EJKs), and illegal drugs. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the committee’s chairman, announced on December 10, 2024 that the recommendation will be part of the panel’s progress report, scheduled for approval on December 12. “This will be included in the initial report of the quad comm. We have to finalize our recommendation on Thursday and present it before the plenary for the approval of the entire members of the House of Representatives,” Barbers said, as reported by the Philippine Star.  The quad committee is coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Office of the Ombudsman to pursue the charges. “We will still conduct an investigation on the EJKs and drugs,” Barbers added. The panel is also eyeing 15 to 20 pieces of remedial legislation to address the issues raised in its investigation. They are also calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify the anti-POGO bill as urgent. Marcos Jr. earlier issued an executive order barring POGOs, formalizing a proclamation he made during his 3rd State of the Nation Address in early July.  “We want these pieces of legislation to be part of the legislative agenda of our President. We hope that it will be certified as urgent by the President so that our counterpart in the Senate will also act,” Barbers explained.  The quad committee was formed in August to investigate the links between POGOs, Chinese syndicates, illegal drugs, and EJKs during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.  Several high-profile figures, including former President Duterte, have been invited to testify before the committee. He further explained that the progress report seeks to wrap up the investigations into POGOs, EJKs, and illegal drugs, enabling the committee to focus on other critical issues. “Even after the Christmas break, when sessions resume, the quad-committee will press on with its investigations. The progress report reflects the ground we’ve covered so far on EJKs, drugs, and POGOs. However, this doesn’t mean we are closing the door on these matters,” Barbers clarified. According to him, the committee still needs to address additional issues before concluding its hearings. “We need to submit it so that it will be approved in the committee before we can ask other agencies concerned to take cognizance of this report. For example, we have recommendations to the DOJ and the NBI. They have to act on it based on the committee report that was approved by the plenary,” he expounded. “The action of the plenary is needed, so that it will become legitimate, it will become the sense of the majority of the members of the House,” he added. The quad-committee includes four panels: the dangerous drugs committee, chaired by Barbers; the human rights committee, led by Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante; the public accounts committee, headed by Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano; and the public order and safety committee, chaired by Santa Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez. Barbers emphasized that the four committees share overlapping concerns and issues. “There seems to be a criminal organization operating within the country where drug money is being used to corrupt certain government officials in order to secure fake and spurious documents to misrepresent themselves as Filipinos to be able to acquire properties or lands in the country… where legitimate fronts of POGOs are being built,” Barbers explained. Abante also defended his committee’s involvement in the quad-committee, as well as its focus on EJKs. “Number one, there might be a quota system in the Philippine National Police… That means there is a reward system. That means if you kill a drug pusher, you get a reward. We would like to find out where the money is coming from, because we found out, that’s POGO money, that’s gambling money,” Abante revealed. Read related article:   DOJ Finds No Evidence Linking Duterte to Illegal POGOs

There is insufficient evidence to link Rodrigo Duterte to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country, the justice department said. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on December 10, 2024 that there is insufficient evidence to link former President Rodrigo Duterte to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country. Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty stated during a forum organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute that the DOJ’s investigation focused on illegal POGO operations at an individual level. “At the level of individual POGOs, we haven’t seen any evidence to connect former President Duterte,” Ty said, as reported by  GMA News .   He reiterated that the probe examined specific illegal enterprises rather than implicating overarching figures or higher-level officials. “There is not enough evidence to link President Duterte to illegal POGO operations. Clearly, when it comes to POGOs, we tackled illegal POGOs at the level of each illegal enterprise,” Ty explained. The statement follows growing public and legislative scrutiny of POGO activities in the Philippines, which have been associated with criminal activities, such as human trafficking and money laundering.  During the final Senate hearing on POGO operations in November, Senator Risa Hontiveros presented a matrix of individuals allegedly exploiting the gambling sector for personal enrichment.  READ: Hontiveros “web” links Ex-Pres Duterte, Yang to POGOs While investigations into illegal POGO enterprises continue, Ty emphasized the absence of direct evidence against the former president. The DOJ's findings underscore the complexity of addressing illegal gambling activities and holding those involved accountable. Michael Yang, who previously served as a presidential adviser during the Duterte administration, was mentioned in the report. When asked if Yang’s association with the administration was sufficient to link Duterte to illegal POGOs, Ty said “the association is not enough to connect him... and to bring up an investigation.” In July, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. implemented a nationwide ban on all POGOs after several operators were found to be involved in criminal activities such as human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and fraudulent schemes, formalizing this through Executive Order 74   which was signed last November.  Meanwhile, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) expressed confidence in meeting its year-end goal, stating that all POGOs in the country would be eliminated by December 15, 2024. Read related article: Hontiveros “web” links Ex-Pres Duterte, Yang to POGOs

The House quad committee seeks approval for 15 bills stemming from its probe into POGOs and the drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The House of Representatives’ quad committee plans to push for the approval of 15 proposed laws resulting from its investigation into Philippine offshore gambling operators (POGOs) and the drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte. “We will be submitting a report with around 15 new remedial laws,” said panel chair and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers during a chance interview on December 10, 2024. “These 15 bills are the outcome of the 12 hearings conducted by the quad committee,” Barbers added, as reported by Inquirer.  In an earlier statement, Barbers noted that four of the 15 proposed measures aim to amend Republic Act No. 9165, the country’s anti-drug act.  Additionally, the panel intends to recommend filing charges against at least 10 individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, POGOs, and extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration. For the mega panel’s upcoming session, Barbers confirmed that former President Rodrigo Duterte would not be invited to testify further, as his previous statements had already provided sufficient information for the investigation. Barbers earlier bared plans to release a progress report summarizing its findings from 12 hearings.  Barbers stated in a radio interview that the consolidated report, which combines related issues discussed during the hearings, will be presented to the public after gaining plenary approval, according to a GMA News Report.  The partial report is expected to be issued before the House adjourns for its Christmas break on December 18. Read related article: DICT Sees Drop in Text Scams as POGO Deadline Nears

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reports fewer text scams as the Dec 31  Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) ban nears. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported a significant decrease in the number of text scams as the deadline for the complete ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) or  Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) approaches. During an interview on the sidelines of a workshop on government digitalization cooperation, DICT Undersecretary for e-Government David Almirol Jr. noted a substantial decline in text scam incidents, particularly as the December 31, 2024 deadline set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. draws near. "Malaki ang pagbabago talaga. Sobrang laki. Dati inuulan kami ng mga tawag eh sa aming e-report. Pero ngayon, declining talaga yung report talaga ng text cam ngayon. Sobrang declining (There has been a big change, truly a significant one. Before, we used to get flooded with calls for our e-reports. But now, the reports through the text scam platform are really declining. It's drastically declining)," Almirol said, as reported by the Inquirer.  While the DICT focuses on e-government initiatives and doesn't handle law enforcement regarding text scams, Almirol emphasized the importance of eradicating these illegal activities. POGOs are businesses offering online gambling services primarily to foreign customers. Their presence in the Philippines has been a source of controversy, with concerns raised about their potential links to money laundering, illegal activities, and increased crime rates. A recent report titled "The State of Scams in the Philippines 2024," published by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance last October, revealed that Filipinos lost an astounding $8.1 billion—approximately P460 billion—to text scams over the past year. This staggering amount represents about 1.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. On average, each victim suffered a financial loss of $275, or roughly P16,000, due to fraudulent schemes. The study also highlighted that 39 percent of respondents in the Philippines had fallen victim to scammers, yet only three percent managed to recover their lost money, underscoring the difficulties in addressing such crimes. Read related article: P460 Billion Lost to Scams in PH, POGO Operations Linked

The Anti-POGO Act of 2024 (Senate Bill No. 2868) seeks to "eliminate once and for all the operations" of POGOs in the Philippines. Efforts to permanently ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country are gaining momentum, with Senate deliberations moving forward on two key measures aimed at eradicating the controversial industry.  On December 9, 2024, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, presented the proposed Anti-POGO Act of 2024 (Senate Bill No. 2868) and accompanying Committee Report No. 342 for plenary discussion.   The bill, which aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s executive order to halt POGO operations, seeks to institutionalize a ban on offshore gaming. According to Gatchalian, this legislation ensures that the prohibition will extend beyond the current administration, creating a lasting legal framework against the industry.   Comprehensive Ban Proposed   Under the proposed legislation, all POGO-related activities—including operations, content provision, and site development—would be outlawed in the Philippines by January 1, 2025. The bill also calls for the revocation of all POGO licenses by December 31, 2024, and the cancellation of Alien Employment Permits issued to individuals associated with the industry. Violators, whether individuals or entities, would face penalties outlined under existing laws, such as the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.  Government officials who assist in POGO operations would face additional consequences, including dismissal, a lifetime ban from public service, and the forfeiture of retirement benefits.   Gatchalian emphasized that the bill goes beyond prohibiting POGO activities. It also directs agencies, such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to collaborate with others to support affected Filipino workers as they transition to alternative employment opportunities.   “With each provision, we are laying down a framework that not only bans offshore gaming operations but also builds safeguards for our people. Sa pamamagitan ng Anti-POGO Act, binubura natin ang kadilimang dulot ng POGO at ibinabalik ang dangal ng ating bayan (The Anti-POGO Act eliminates the darkness POGOs have brought and restores dignity to our nation),” Gatchalian said.   Econo mic and Social Costs    Gatchalian presented findings from Senate inquiries that highlighted the adverse economic and social impacts of POGOs. A report by the Department of Finance revealed that the net annual cost of allowing POGOs to operate in 2023 reached ₱99.52 billion, far outweighing any economic benefits.   Gatchalian pointed out that Filipinos would “pay the price” if POGOs would be allowed to continue operating in the Philippines. "This is something we cannot afford to happen,” he stated.   Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed these sentiments, citing cases of fraud, abuse, and threats to national security linked to POGO operations. Hontiveros also criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte for initially permitting POGOs to operate, which she said brought promises of jobs and economic aid but ultimately led to exploitation and societal harm.   “Nangako sila ng trabaho at tulong—pero ang tunay nilang dala, karumal-dumal na panloloko, abuso, at panganib 'di lang sa mga Pilipino kundi pati sa pambansang kaayusan at seguridad (They promised jobs and assistance—but what they truly brought were heinous deception, abuse, and threats not only to Filipinos but also to national order and security)," said Hontiveros. Institutional Safeguards   The bill includes provisions to repeal Republic Act No. 11590, which had previously legitimized offshore gaming through taxation. By dismantling this law taxing POGOs, lawmakers aim to permanently remove the industry from Philippine soil.   President Marcos had already declared a POGO ban during his State of the Nation Address in July 2024. Following his directive, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was tasked with phasing out and ceasing all POGO operations by the end of the year.   READ: President Marcos Signs Executive Order 74 Enforcing POGO Ban Broader Support in the Senate   Senator Joel Villanueva, a principal sponsor of the bill, underscored the necessity of codifying the ban to ensure that POGOs cannot return under any future administration. “This act will eradicate all traces of POGOs in our country and prevent their resurgence,” Villanueva said.   Senators Gatchalian and Hontiveros both stressed that the victims of POGO-related crimes—ranging from human trafficking to financial fraud—must not be forgotten. “Each victim has a story, a name, and a family. It is our duty to end the cycle of crimes and injustice caused by POGOs,” Gatchalian said.   Read related article: DICT Sees Drop in Text Scams as POGO Deadline Nears

The House Panel will be recommending four pieces of legislation regarding Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) and extrajudicial killings (EJKs). The House of Representatives’ quad committee is set to release an "initial report" before Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on December 20, 2024. This report will include not only a progress update on their findings but also propose four key pieces of legislation aimed at addressing the pressing issues.  Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers served as the presiding chairman of this  Quad Comm which was tasked with investigating the links between illegal drugs, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.  Barbers explained that the report would be submitted to the plenary as a progress report. "The reason why we will submit [the initial report] in the plenary is that this is a progress report, and because there are things that really need to be acted upon the soonest, like our proposed legislation that we have already filed," Barbers was quoted as saying in a Philippine Star article.  Barbers emphasized that the proposed legislation would be critical for the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities linked to POGOs and the drug trade. The lawmaker added that the House plenary, which is composed of more than 300 members, could suggest that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. include these measures in his priority legislative agenda. Furthermore, they may urge the President to certify these bills as urgent, facilitating a faster approval process in Congress. Proposed Legislation to Address EJKs and POGOs The quad committee’s proposed legislation includes several measures aimed at tackling the root causes of these social problems.  One key proposal is a bill that would define extrajudicial killings (EJKs) as a heinous crime, carrying the maximum penalty for offenders. Another proposal calls for the creation of an inter-agency committee, led by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), to expedite the cancellation of fraudulent birth certificates. These fake documents have reportedly been used by some foreign nationals, particularly Chinese nationals, to acquire Filipino citizenship, further complicating efforts to combat illegal activities linked to POGOs and organized crime. Barbers highlighted that these measures were among the four remedial bills that the committee had already filed, aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to respond to these challenges. The initial report is expected to contain further recommendations for filing charges against individuals involved in illegal drug operations, illicit POGOs, and EJKs. The committee will also urge the relevant government agencies to actively pursue these cases to ensure accountability and justice. The inquiry, which is being conducted by the mega panel, has uncovered disturbing information, including instances where several Chinese nationals were found to have fraudulently obtained Filipino citizenship.  The committee's co-chairmen—Representatives Dan Fernandez of Santa Rosa, Laguna; Bienvenido Abante of Manila’s sixth district; and Joseph Stephen Paduano of the Abang Lingkod party-list—have played crucial roles in the investigation. Barbers chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, while Fernandez heads the committee on public order and safety, Abante leads the human rights committee, and Paduano chairs the committee on public accounts. Accountability for Local Officials Involved in POGOs Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has warned local government officials that they may face suspension similar to Porac, Pampanga Mayor Jaime Capil, who was recently placed under preventive suspension for his alleged failure to properly address POGO operations in his locality. Gatchalian emphasized the importance of holding local government officials accountable for POGO activities in their areas of jurisdiction. “There is a precedent that local government chief executives could be suspended when POGOs enter their place,” Gatchalian stated. He added that local officials play a crucial role in ensuring that businesses operating in their areas comply with national policies, particularly those related to illegal activities such as POGOs. Gatchalian pointed out that the suspension of Mayor Capil was due to his alleged negligence in overseeing POGO operations within his jurisdiction. The mayor is accused of failing to inspect the operations and of issuing permits that did not align with the true nature of the businesses. The Office of the Ombudsman served a six-month preventive suspension against Capil, further underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that local officials take responsibility for the activities in their areas. READ: Porac Mayor, 10 Others Suspended Over POGO-Linked Crimes The senator also drew a distinction between negligence and direct involvement in criminal activities. He cited the case of Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, who was dismissed from office after being implicated in enabling illegal POGO operations in her town. Guo faces serious allegations of active complicity in allowing these operations to flourish, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability at all levels of government. As the national government intensifies its stance against POGOs, Gatchalian stressed the need for local government officials to support the national government's efforts. President Marcos has issued a directive to ban POGOs, signaling a firm stance on the issue. Local officials are now being called upon to cooperate in enforcing the ban and ensuring that their jurisdictions are free from illegal POGO activities. Read related article: House Passes Bill vs. Fake Birth Certificates of Foreigners

“Even flying schools can fly persons out of the Philippines,” said Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, saying immigration officers inspect private hangars upon request. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) are investigating the possible illegal departure of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, following reports that no official records exist of his exit from the country. The investigation centers on the possibility that Roque may have left the Philippines using a private plane, bypassing official immigration channels. Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez confirmed the ongoing probe and highlighted concerns regarding private hangars and ports, which could potentially be used for unauthorized departures.  “The big issue here is the private hangars and ports that could also be used,” Vasquez said in an interview with dzBB. He pointed out that the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) holds jurisdiction over private hangars, making it challenging to detect unauthorized flights unless there is a request for inspection.  Vasquez emphasized that this is not the first time such a situation has arisen. He referenced the case of Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, who managed to leave the country undetected in July, evading a Senate arrest warrant.  Guo, who had allegedly been involved in POGO-related criminal activities, was later caught in Indonesia and brought back to the Philippines in September. Vasquez noted that even flying schools have been known to help people exit the country without proper immigration checks. "Even flying schools can fly persons out of the Philippines," he added. The BI’s legal team is also considering the possibility of filing charges against Roque for his alleged unauthorized departure. Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado stated that official BI records show no recent attempts by Roque to leave the country through formal immigration channels.  “It’s impossible that he left through formal ports,” Viado said. This has led authorities to suspect that Roque may have used a private flight to avoid detection. Roque, who is currently involved in a qualified human trafficking case linked to the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub Lucky South 99 Corp. in Porac, Pampanga, confirmed that he traveled to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to have his counteraffidavit notarized. However, his admission has raised further questions about how he managed to leave the Philippines without immigration authorities being aware. The DOJ had issued an immigration lookout bulletin order on August 6, 2024 against Roque and 11 others tied to the controversial POGO hub, which was raided by authorities in June for alleged human trafficking activities. The case has raised alarms about the role of POGOs in transnational crime, with some lawmakers suggesting that the POGO industry may have helped Roque slip through immigration controls. Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval emphasized the need to enhance the country’s legal framework to address cases of individuals leaving the Philippines through unauthorized channels.   “There is no specific law that covers people, Filipinos, going out of the country. Walang punitive action ang Filipinos going out of the country illegally (There is currently no specific law that penalizes Filipinos for exiting the country illegally),” Sandoval explained, noting the absence of measures in such situations.  Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who has also been involved in investigations into the POGO industry, expressed concern over the apparent weakness in border control.  "I hope this is not an ‘Alice Guo part two’ because you cannot take a boat all the way to the Middle East. It’s impossible," Gatchalian said, drawing a comparison between Roque’s potential escape and Guo’s evasive journey to Malaysia, which allegedly involved multiple boats to evade detection. Gatchalian has called for a formal investigation into Roque’s travel, stressing that the BI’s failure to monitor and regulate departures is a serious issue that could undermine efforts to combat transnational crime. The senator also noted that Roque’s case is part of a troubling pattern of inadequate border controls that could allow criminal elements, including those involved in POGOs, to freely move across borders. “I’m looking at this seriously, not because of Harry Roque alone, but because this already happened to Alice Guo. Maybe this is happening regularly,” Gatchalian added. Read related article: Falsification Rap Eyed For Harry Roque After Possible Illegal Exit

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be filing charges against those involved in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Davao Del Norte.  Around 56 Chinese nationals, three Malaysians, and one Filipina will be facing charges for being involved in a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Davao Del Norte. However, authorities are still evaluating the cases to decide on the exact charges to be pressed. "May dalawang nagpapanggap na NBI agents para i-accommodate dito kung saan nila nakuha ang location (There were two people who pretended to be NBI agents to accommodate [someone] here, where they got the location)," NBI SEMRO director Atty. Archie Albao was quoted as saying in an article by ABS-CBN News.   Authorities started the operation after a Malaysian national, named Ruby Lim, was abducted and brought to Panabo City. NBI then located the warehouse and started a raid. Lim, however, has not been rescued from the operation.  The Filipino owner of the warehouse will also be investigated. The POGO operation, which was relocated from Luzon, is suspected of having ties to government officials. City Mayor Jose Relampagos revealed that a group involved in illegal POGO operations had initially sought permission to build a warehouse for plastic products. Two months ago, the group made a courtesy call to the mayor's office under this pretense. However, recent arrests exposed the true nature of their activities. "Nag-courtesy call na sila sa akoa after mga two months after pero ang ingon nila is magbuhat sila og warehouse sa mga balde ug plastic pero dili man diay maayo ilang gibuhat karon gidakop (They told me they were constructing a warehouse for plastic goods like buckets. But it turns out their activities were illegal, as shown by their arrest)," the mayor said, as reported by SunStar.  As regulatory scrutiny intensified on POGOs in Luzon, many workers in the industry sought alternative locations. The Visayas and Mindanao regions, with their relatively less stringent regulations, emerged as potential destinations. A significant number of POGO workers, primarily Chinese nationals, relocated to these regions. They established new POGO operations, often in repurposed warehouses, office buildings, and residential spaces.  Read related article: NBI Cracks Down on Illegal POGO Hub in Davao del Norte

NBI Davao busted an illegal POGO hub in Panabo City, arresting 59 individuals including Chinese and Malaysians, amid gov't crackdown on online gambling. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Davao raided an illicit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. The operation, conducted on December 6, 2024, resulted in the arrest of 59 individuals, including Chinese and Malaysian nationals. The warehouse, formerly used for agricultural storage, had been repurposed to facilitate illegal online gambling activities. The raid was triggered by a tip from a Malaysian POGO worker, identified only as Ruby Lim, who had been abducted and held captive at the site. The POGO hub, which has been operating for the past three months, was allegedly owned by a Chinese firm, Jinsheng International. NBI-Davao spokesperson Ely Leano revealed that the arrested individuals were believed to be remnants of POGO operations that had been shut down in Luzon. He was quoted as saying in a Manila Bulletin report, "It cannot be denied that there are POGO hubs in the region." The operation highlights the persistence of illegal POGO activities in the Philippines, despite government efforts to curb the industry. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order 74 , which imposes a ban on offshore and internet gaming by December 31, 2024, aims to address concerns over illegal activities, tax evasion, and social issues linked to POGOs. NBI Director Archie Albao underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "If there is a worker who refuses to cooperate, they will inflict harm on you. They will be tortured. This Ruby Lim wanted to escape but she managed to send messages to authorities." Authorities seized various items from the warehouse, including computers, mobile phones, passports, firearms, ammunition, and handcuffs. A cyber warrant will be issued to examine the seized electronic devices. Read related article: 47 POGOs still operating in PH: DILG

The Philippine government is taking decisive action against 187 Chinese nationals linked with POGOs. The Philippine government is taking decisive action against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) by deporting 187 Chinese nationals. These individuals were arrested for immigration violations and ties to POGO gambling hubs. The deportation is part of President Marcos Jr.'s crackdown on POGO, which aims to shut down all operations by January 1, 2025. Authorities are also filing criminal charges against those who continue to operate illegally. “Sa January 1, ito yung simula namin sa pagtugis, dun sa mga naiwan, mga nagge-guerilla, yung mga matitigas na ulo na hindi tumigil sa kanilang POGO operation. Itong pagtugis nito, kasama na yung pagpa-file natin ng criminal cases for violation nung Cybercrime Law,” Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission chairman Gilberto Cruz said.  (Starting January 1, we will begin our pursuit of those who remain, those who are operating like guerrillas, and those hardheaded individuals who refuse to stop their POGO operations. This pursuit will include filing criminal cases against them for violating the Cybercrime Law.)  The Chinese nationals were detained in October and had their working visas downgraded to tourist visas, making their stay in the Philippines unlawful. They were arrested in various locations across the country, including Lapu-Lapu City, Pasay City, Tarlac, and Pampanga. A second group of individuals from other nationalities is scheduled for deportation next week. “Yung iba dito, talagang walang dokumento nung nahuli natin. Violation ito ng kanilang condition of stay sa Pilipinas bilang dayuhan at yung iba dito talagang hindi nakapagpresinta ng tama o walang naipresinta na kaukulang dokumento nung sila ay sinita namin (Some of them didn't have any documents when we caught them. This is a violation of their conditions of stay in the Philippines as foreigners. Others failed to present proper or any relevant documents when we checked on them),” Cruz said.  President Marcos Jr. banned POGOs through Executive Order 74 , citing exploitation concerns. While some lawmakers raised doubts about the order's clarity, the government remains committed to fighting human trafficking and aiding victims. Read related article:   Child of POGO Workers Caught in Deportation Dilemma

The Philippine government is set to shut down all remaining POGOs by December 31, 2024, with penalties for illegal activities and non-compliance. The Philippine government is ramping up efforts to shut down remaining offshore gaming operations, with a firm deadline set for December 31, 2024. As of December 5, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that 47 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are still in operation in the country. Remulla explained that the DILG would begin conducting visitations on December 15 to monitor these firms and ensure they are in the process of winding down their operations. According to Remulla, POGOs should begin showing clear signs of ceasing their activities by this date. Additionally, the DILG will track the status of foreign workers' visas, most of whom are Chinese nationals.  “We are mounting guerrilla operations because some Filipinos have learned to set up their own POGO firms. These are smaller in scale. But one thing is clear, if you have a POGO license, you should wind down operations by December 15 and by December 31, you must close shop," Remulla was quoted as saying in a PNA report. He added that once POGOs cease operating, any foreign workers without valid working visas should leave the Philippines, as their visas would no longer be valid. Remulla had previously vowed to personally ensure that all POGOs in the Philippines would cease operations by the end of the year. However, the process is not without its challenges. The DILG Secretary mentioned that smaller, illegal POGO operations have sprung up. Some of these illicit firms have even been disguised as legitimate businesses, such as restaurants and resorts. In response, Remulla has instructed local chief executives to carry out thorough inspections and enforce the shutdown of these operations. The crackdown on POGOs follows a broader effort by the Philippine government to eliminate illegal and unregulated gambling activities in the country. These measures have been taken in response to the growing concerns about the impact of POGOs, particularly their association with criminal activities such as human trafficking, money laundering, and illegal online gambling. In support of the government's efforts, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has been actively working to rid the country of illegal POGO operations. PAOCC executive director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz expressed confidence that the government would succeed in eradicating any remaining illegal POGO operations. He also noted that cases would soon be filed against local government officials who have been implicated in allowing or facilitating illegal POGO activities. Cruz’s comments come on the heels of a significant move by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who issued Executive Order No. 74 last month. This order mandates the immediate shutdown of all POGOs, as well as any internet gaming or offshore gaming operations operating without proper licensing. The executive order is part of a broader government strategy to tackle the negative effects of illegal gambling, which has raised concerns among various sectors of society, particularly in relation to the involvement of foreign workers in these operations. READ: President Marcos Signs Executive Order 74 Enforcing POGO Ban While POGOs were initially introduced as a source of revenue for the government, the sector has faced increasing scrutiny due to its association with a range of criminal activities. There have been numerous reports of human trafficking, with foreign workers being brought into the country under questionable circumstances. Some reports have also suggested that the influx of foreign nationals working in POGOs has strained local resources and contributed to rising crime rates. The shutdown of POGOs is expected to have a significant impact on both the gambling industry and the foreign workers who have been employed in these firms. For many of these workers, their employment in POGOs has been a major source of income. However, without valid working visas, they will have no choice but to leave the country. The Philippine government has indicated that the next step in the campaign to shut down POGOs will involve a comprehensive effort to monitor the progress of these closures. Local government officials have been directed to step up inspections to ensure that all POGOs are in compliance with the government’s deadline. Read related article: Child of POGO Workers Caught in Deportation Dilemma