In a recent radio interview, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Director Winston Casio revealed that illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are no longer just small, scattered groups but are evolving into organized hubs.

"We have recently noticed that the operations we are uncovering are no longer small and scattered but are beginning to resemble hubs rather than guerilla operations," Casio said.

Among the recent high-profile raids was one conducted at the ATI Building in Parañaque, where authorities apprehended 147 foreign nationals, excluding over 300 Filipino workers. Another major operation, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), took place at One Wheels Condominium near ASEANA in Pasay, resulting in the arrest of 401 foreign nationals.

“The numbers are alarming, which means there are still many of them operating within the country," Casio remarked.

The arrested individuals included over 200 Chinese nationals, more than 100 Vietnamese, and 24 Koreans, among others.

Casio further revealed that illegal POGO operations are spreading beyond Metro Manila.

"We are now seeing these guerilla-type POGOs spread out all over the country. In fact, we are receiving reports of their presence as far as Mindanao and the Visayas."

However, Metro Manila remains a major hotspot, particularly in its southern areas, due to the concentration of entertainment and casino centers. “Foreign nationals, particularly those with gambling addictions, tend to gravitate towards these areas," he explained.

Casio assured the public that the government is ramping up its efforts to dismantle illegal POGO networks.

“We will rigorously hunt them down," he vowed.

Authorities are now identifying individuals involved in these illegal operations to hold them accountable.

"Those found responsible will face criminal charges. There needs to be accountability," Casio emphasized.

As for the arrested foreign nationals, the PAOCC is expediting their deportation.

“The bulk of them will be deported out of the country as soon as possible," he said.

With the government intensifying its crackdown, the PAOCC has made it clear that it will not relent in its mission to eradicate illegal POGO operations in the Philippines.