PNP cracks down harder on illegal POGOs after Taguig raid

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying its crackdown on illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and internet gaming licensees (IGLs) after authorities discovered a suspected underground online gaming hub masquerading as an information technology–business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) firm in Taguig City on 1 December.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Southern District Field Unit and the Southern Police District, in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), uncovered the alleged illegal POGO/IGL operation at Upper McKinley Hill while conducting a manhunt.

PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday commended the operating teams, stressing that the discovery highlights persistent attempts by syndicates to continue illegal gaming activities despite the nationwide ban.

He said police units have launched intensified, intelligence-driven operations against POGOs since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued an executive order prohibiting them in the country.

“The instruction to us is clear: identify, validate, and shut down all remaining POGOs, particularly those hiding behind BPOs or IT solution companies. We have been complying, and we will continue until all of them are gone,” he said.

Nartatez added that the PNP is working closely with the Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Foreign Affairs to monitor foreign nationals involved in attempts to revive underground gaming hubs. Authorities are also investigating possible links to broader criminal syndicates.

“Sa ngayon, may strong indicators na ang ilang illegal POGO/IGL operators ay konektado sa mas malalaking transnational cybercrime groups. Hindi lang po ito simpleng illegal gambling—may posibilidad na may kasamang online fraud, money laundering, identity theft, at iba pang cyber-enabled crimes,” he said.

He noted that coordination with foreign counterparts is ongoing to strengthen case buildup.

“If there are still individuals or groups planning to run POGO-like operations, they should stop because we will find you, we will shut you down, and we will file the strongest possible charges,” Nartatez warned.