The Philippines ordered Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) to shut down, but some haven’t complied and are now setting up operations in residential neighbourhoods, according to reports.
The Manila Standard reported that a group of residents in Multinational Village, a high-end subdivision in Parañaque City, has raised concerns about alleged clandestine illegal gaming activities occurring within their community.
Despite the Philippine government’s total ban on POGOs, the group asserts that such operations persist, albeit in a more concealed manner.
The organisation, known as I AM MULTI, which comprises Multinational Village residents, claims to have identified 16 addresses within the subdivision that may be linked to illegal online gaming.
The group has pledged its support to law enforcement agencies in investigating these activities, which they refer to as “guerilla POGOs,” defying the government’s prohibition that took full effect on 1 January.
In a letter addressed to the Manila Standard, the group expressed approval of recent government initiatives targeting suspected illegal gaming activities. However, they emphasised the ongoing challenge of eradicating these operations.
“The previous raids conducted indeed tamed down the excesses of Chinese activities in the village. However, we feel that they were coming back and are now more covert in their operations because of their volatile situation,” the group stated.
Suspected locations identified
According to I AM MULTI, the suspected POGO-related operations are dispersed across several streets in Multinational Village. The group has documented these addresses and shared part of the list with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Representative Dan Fernandez in 2024.
However, they are still awaiting action and results from the authorities.
In addition to their concerns about illegal gaming activities, the group highlighted two incidents of crime involving Chinese nationals in December 2024. One kidnapping took place on Andrew Street, while another occurred on John Paul Street within the same month.
The incidents have fuelled fears about the potential connections between illegal gaming and criminal activities in the area.
Government confident on POGO eradication
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has set a 10 January deadline for local government units (LGUs) to submit certifications verifying the absence of POGO operations within their jurisdictions.
Remulla expressed confidence that POGO-related activities in Metro Manila, including Parañaque City, have been largely eradicated. However, he stressed the need for continuous efforts to locate and dismantle remaining facilities, even in special economic zones and free ports that may operate under more lenient regulations.
“We have no boundaries, there are no walls high enough for us to climb… we can enter all of those places,” Remulla stated in a mix of Filipino and English, underscoring the government’s determination to address the issue.
Multinational Village not convinced
Despite government assurances and actions, residents of Multinational Village remain apprehensive. I AM MULTI co-convenor Janet Ong pointed out that large structures resembling known POGO hubs continue to be constructed in the subdivision, which is zoned for residential use.
The residents’ persistent advocacy has drawn national attention to the issue, but they are calling for more decisive action to address the alleged illegal activities.
The group’s earlier revelations in 2024 led to increased media and government scrutiny, ultimately contributing to the total ban on POGO operations.
However, they argue that more needs to be done to ensure their community is free from such activities and their associated risks.
Recent raid targets alleged scam operations
In a related development, according to the Manila Standard, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently conducted a large-scale raid in Parañaque City, leading to the apprehension of nearly 400 foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal online scam operations.
The raid, conducted in Barangay Tambo, targeted a company suspected of engaging in POGO-like activities, including fraudulent schemes directed at victims abroad.
Fortunato Manahan Jr., chief of the BI Intelligence Division, revealed that the suspects had been under surveillance for some time. “Their operations were found to be in violation of immigration laws and posed significant risks to the public,” he said.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasised the significance of such raids in combatting illegal activities.
“This raid is part of our intensified efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure that foreign nationals residing in the country comply with our laws. We will not tolerate any activities that endanger the safety and welfare of the public,” Viado said.