Authorities raided an alleged "guerrilla-type" Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) in Silang, Cavite, on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of 29 foreign nationals.
In a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, 22 foreign nationals were Chinese nationals, while six were from Myanmar.
According to Usec. Gilbert Cruz, Executive Director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), initial findings indicated that the raided scam hub was allegedly small-scale, commonly referred to as guerrilla-type.
Moreover, the findings suggest that the business was operating secretly without any permits from the local government unit (LGU) where the establishment is situated.
The operation was carried out by operatives from the PAOCC, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU), and the Cavite Police Provincial Office, acting on a tip from a private resort owner.
The arrested foreign nationals will remain under the custody of the PAOCC while their deportation proceedings are being processed.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration issued a mission order against the foreign nationals.
Earlier, the PAOCC issued a stern warning that the agency would intensify its crackdown on small-scale POGOs, specifically targeting "guerrilla" operations.
The small-scale operations in question refer to former POGOs that have transitioned to smaller setups, typically located in resorts, gated subdivisions, and condominiums.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a nationwide ban on all POGOs during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), setting the deadline for compliance as December 31, 2024.
Marcos emphasized that the public outcry from Filipinos led to the decision to impose a total ban, highlighting concerns over illegal activities and widespread abuse and disregard for the system.
