PNP intensifies ops vs 'guerrilla-style' scam hubs tied to Pogos

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its campaign against scam hubs that have resurfaced through smaller, “guerrilla-style” operations following the government’s crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).

In a statement on Sunday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they are verifying reports indicating that scam hubs continue to operate in parts of the country through smaller networks.

“We already dismantled a number of scam hubs, but our operations will continue to put a stop to this illegal activity in the interest of public protection and the rule of law,” he added.

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Former House quad committee overall chair Robert Ace Barbers previously raised concerns over the continued presence of suspected Pogo-linked networks that have reportedly reorganized into less conspicuous operations.

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Barbers identified Baclaran, Binondo, and Parañaque in Metro Manila, along with Palawan and Cebu, as among the areas where these clandestine activities are allegedly taking place.

Nartatez reaffirmed that the PNP will maintain relentless pressure against all forms of scam hub operations by working closely with other law enforcement agencies to enhance intelligence sharing, surveillance, and coordinated enforcement efforts against suspected operators.

“I also urge our kababayan to immediately inform authorities if they have information about these illegal operations,” Nartatez said.

In April, government agencies signed implementing rules designed to ensure the permanent closure of Pogos and prevent them from reemerging in another form.

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READ: Gov’t agencies sign rules to end Pogos for good

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto presided over the signing of the “Inter-Agency Standard Operating Procedures” to enforce Executive Order No. 74, which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Nov. 4, 2024, banning all Pogos and internet gaming licensees.

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Under the SOP, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission will oversee implementation, while the Department of Justice will deploy prosecutors early in case preparation to help build stronger cases and increase the likelihood of convictions.

Authorities earlier reported that at least 100 “rogue” Pogos continue to operate covertly in houses, hotels, and resorts, despite being ordered to shut down all activities by Dec. 31, 2024. /mcm

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