PAOCC Executive Director, Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City on Feb. 15, 2025. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is determined to eliminate all illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country by the end of the year.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said the government’s intensified crackdown has reduced illegal POGO operations to smaller-scale setups, often hidden in apartments, condominiums, hotels, and resorts.
“Only once we completely shut down these remaining operators can we declare the Philippines free from POGOs,” Cruz stated.
Illegal operators shifting tactics
Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s total ban on POGOs in January, large-scale hubs have largely disappeared. However, due to the high profits, operators continue to find ways to stay in business.
“They know we are going after them, but they persist because POGO operations generate significant income,” Cruz explained.
Recent operations have revealed that some of these illegal businesses are attempting to move to Cambodia, where authorities may have looser restrictions.
Rescue operations and evidence of abuse
The PAOCC recently rescued 34 Indonesian nationals from a suspected POGO hub in Pasay. The victims reported being forced to work in fraudulent activities, with their Chinese supervisors threatening to withhold their passports if they refused to relocate to Cambodia.
Additionally, authorities apprehended a Chinese woman, Liu Meng, two unidentified Chinese nationals, and a Malaysian in connection with the operation.
Another recent rescue operation saved a Chinese national, Wang Ye Fu, who was kidnapped on February 12. The victim showed signs of torture, and a review of the suspects’ mobile phones revealed multiple videos of other foreigners being subjected to violence, including beatings, tasering, and threats at gunpoint.
“This shows how ruthless these criminals have become,” Cruz said. “Before, they worked with local accomplices for kidnappings and killings. Now, they have their enforcers.”
Call for public assistance
Authorities are working to identify the victims seen in the torture videos. PAOCC urges families with missing relatives, particularly those suspected of working in illegal POGOs, to come forward and seek assistance.
With continuous efforts to dismantle illegal POGO operations, Cruz remains optimistic that the country will achieve a “zero POGO” status before the end of the year.
