Philstar
PNP boosts crackdown on illegal POGOs
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying its crackdown on remaining Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firms following intelligence reports of violent infighting and crimes like kidnapping, particularly involving Chinese nationals.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil confirmed crucial information regarding internal disputes within POGO operations, including the kidnapping of a Chinese student connected to a POGO family member and high-stakes e-commerce dealings.
Chinese syndicates are reportedly targeting their own nationals due to conflicts arising from illicit business operations, particularly in underground gambling and cyber fraud.
The government's aggressive stance against POGOs began after President Marcos ordered a ban due to the rise in criminal activities such as human trafficking, money laundering, and violent crimes linked to their operations.
From January 2024 to February 2025, the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) recorded a total of 40 kidnapping cases, 10 of which involved Chinese nationals as victims, all reportedly abducted by their compatriots.
PNP is currently investigating the disappearance of a Chinese national last seen on Feb. 20 in Taguig City.
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Malacañang is committed to eradicating illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) setting a one-year deadline to arrest and deport an estimated 9,000 to 10,000 foreign nationals involved in these operations.
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The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) has formed a tracker team to monitor Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) conducting guerrilla operations.
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A total of 40 kidnapping cases have been recorded by the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) since January 2024.
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Philippine authorities arrested 453 individuals, including 401 foreign nationals, in Pasay City for operating an illegal POGO scam hub.
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Authorities arrested 453 individuals, comprising foreigners and Filipinos, during a raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Parañaque City.
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