Authorities Target Growing Guerrilla Scam Operations Amid Full POGO Ban in the Philippines

The Philippines’ crackdown on Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is intensifying, but a new wave of illicit activities is complicating the effort to eradicate illegal operations.

Authorities are grappling with what has been described as an “alarming trend” of guerrilla scam hubs filling the void left by POGOs. These clandestine schemes are proving more elusive and challenging to regulate, creating fresh obstacles for law enforcement and regulatory agencies.

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla has urged local government units (LGUs) to remain vigilant, calling for stricter inspections of businesses even after occupancy permits are granted. He warned that some illegal POGO operators are masquerading as legitimate establishments, such as resorts and restaurants, to avoid detection before the government-enforced shutdown deadline of December 31.

A recent raid in Lapu-Lapu City highlighted this deceptive tactic, where a POGO hub disguised as a hotel and restaurant was uncovered. Remulla emphasized the critical role of local officials in verifying that businesses operate as claimed. Meanwhile, enforcement against unauthorized operations has been handed over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The push to eliminate POGOs stems from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive during his July State of the Nation Address, where he called for an outright ban. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has been tasked with ensuring all POGO operations cease by year-end. However, Senator Risa Hontiveros has flagged a concerning shift: scam hubs are stepping in to exploit the regulatory vacuum.

Speaking during Senate budget debates, Hontiveros highlighted the increasing difficulty in identifying these new schemes, which no longer rely on POGOs as a legal cover. She pressed the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to clarify how its Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) intends to address this growing threat.

According to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the CICC, working alongside the PNP and NBI, has already dismantled 11 scam hubs linked to both legal and illegal activities. These successes were attributed to advanced technology, public reporting channels, and inter-agency cooperation. However, the DICT has opted for confidentiality regarding its detection methods, seeking an executive session to discuss its strategies in detail.

Despite these efforts, the emergence of guerrilla scam operations underscores the complexity of enforcing the POGO ban. Hontiveros warned that if left unchecked, these schemes could escalate, posing greater risks to consumers and local communities.

As the December deadline approaches, authorities are doubling down on inspections, compliance checks, and technology-driven enforcement to shut down illegal gambling and related scams. The initiative is part of a broader mission to rebuild public trust and mitigate the social and economic harm caused by POGOs and their successors.

With President Marcos’ administration maintaining a strong stance, the goal is clear: to prevent the rise of new illicit networks and secure a safer environment for Filipino citizens.

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