The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered nationwide law enforcement to intensify operations against illegal offshore gaming activities. This follows the 2024 ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
Despite the ban, some illicit operations continue to recruit workers and generate revenue, prompting authorities to act swiftly.
PNP Steps Up Patrols and Intelligence Efforts
Acting PNP chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr said police have been instructed to “intensify patrols along backdoor routes.” These routes may be exploited by syndicates to continue their illegal POGO operations. The move targets persistent loopholes that allow operators to circumvent the shutdown.
Authorities are working closely with intelligence units and foreign counterparts to track illegal recruitment and transit routes. This includes sea passages from Palawan Island to Sabah, Borneo. Then operators move workers overland to destinations such as Myawaddy, Myanmar, or Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The Rise and Fall of POGOs
POGOs emerged in the early 2000s, offering online casino games, sports betting, and lottery access primarily to Chinese customers where gambling is illegal. The licensed industry thrived under former President Rodrigo Duterte. It contributed an estimated PHP35 billion (US$570 million) to the Philippine economy in 2023.
Investigations later revealed widespread fraud. POGOs engaged in online romance scams, cryptocurrency scams, and other forms of cybercrime. Many employees said operators misled them about salaries and subjected them to coercion or physical abuse.
Even after the ban, some operators continue luring Filipino workers to “POGO-like” operations overseas. In one case, recruiters promised $1,000 per month but paid only $300, forcing workers to act as online romance scammers in Cambodia.
Cracking Down on POGO Fugitives
The Philippine government has aggressively pursued POGO operatives. For instance, last month, former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo was convicted of human trafficking linked to a POGO centre. She was sentenced to life in prison. This was the first conviction under a “qualified” trafficking statute, which allows prosecution of individuals who organise or direct forced labour, even without direct participation.
Meanwhile, authorities are also pursuing Cassandra Li Ong, a key figure behind the Lucky 99 South POGO compound in Pampanga. In fact, The Department of Justice has offered a PHP1 million reward for information leading to her arrest. Ong is reportedly in Japan and may face similar trafficking charges.
Interpol is assisting in efforts to locate Harry Roque, an attorney and former Duterte spokesperson who represented Lucky 99 South and Ong. Roque claims political persecution and is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
Looking Ahead
With stricter patrols, international collaboration, and targeted prosecutions, the PNP aims to eradicate the remaining illegal POGO networks. Authorities stress that continued vigilance is essential to protect workers from exploitation and prevent rogue operations from resurfacing.
