CIDG forms teams to crack down on banned POGO operations

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has formed specialized tracking teams to intensify efforts against offshore gaming operators following their ban.

CIDG-NCR chief Police Col. Marlon Quimno reported that small-scale POGO operations involving 15 to 20 employees in one room persist in Metro Manila, making enforcement more challenging.

Last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which are suspected of being exploited by organized crime groups for various illegal activities.

A raid last week on a suspected Chinese-run POGO office in Parañaque City led to the arrest of over 450 individuals and criminal charges against 20 people, including two Filipinos involved in human trafficking.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is now verifying the status of arrested foreigners with the Bureau of Immigration and building cases against those not yet apprehended.

CIDG aims to investigate all cities in Metro Manila as POGOs are reportedly operating across the region, not just in specific areas.