(Photo courtesy of NBI)
MANILA, Philippines — Abra Rep. JB Bernos has urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen operations against illegal gaming and online scam hubs, warning that the Philippines could become a refuge for criminal syndicates fleeing intensified crackdowns in neighboring countries.
Bernos, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, said Thursday that authorities must take stronger measures to prevent illegal operators from establishing or expanding their activities in the country.
“We must strengthen our efforts against illegal gaming and scam operations to ensure that we are not seen as the new haven for such activities,” Bernos said.
“Failure to do so would basically be an open invitation to other syndicates that illegal activity can be conducted here with minimal consequences,” he added.
His appeal followed a series of raids targeting suspected scam operations across the country.
On October 22, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents rounded up 200 Vietnamese nationals during a raid on a suspected scam hub in Subic, Olongapo City.
Earlier, on October 12, a joint operation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Bureau of Immigration (BI) led to the arrest of 76 foreign nationals, including 74 Chinese and two Myanmar citizens, at a suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility near Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Another operation in Zamboanga Sibugay on October 2 resulted in the arrest of 244 foreigners, most of them Chinese nationals, at an alleged scam hub.
Bernos emphasized the need for closer cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, particularly in intelligence-sharing and coordinated enforcement efforts, as criminal syndicates reportedly relocate their operations to avoid authorities.
“There is value not only in intelligence-sharing but also in the exchange of best practices,” he said.
The lawmaker also urged investigators to identify and prosecute local individuals or groups allegedly helping foreign syndicates establish and maintain illegal operations in the Philippines.
“Hindi makakapag-operate ang mga ito nang walang tulong mula mismo dito sa loob ng ating bansa. Kaya kailangang matukoy natin kung sino ang mga ito at siguruhing mapanagot sila sa batas,” Bernos said.
He maintained that holding local collaborators accountable is essential to preventing the country from becoming a base for international scam networks.
