Authorities arrested more than 130 workers from an unauthorized and now illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) location in Makati City.
Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III reported that the individuals included 96 foreigners and 35 Filipinos. Workers were apprehended during a raid on the 21st floor of Yuchengco Tower 1, RCBC Plaza.
Chief Torre also mentioned that officers from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), CIDG National Capital Region Field Unit, CIDG Southern District Field Unit, and local police units arrested a person identified as “Michael,” who had an arrest warrant for robbery.
During the execution of the arrest warrant, a foreign informant approached the authorities and disclosed illegal online activities within the Flying Future Services Office. The joint team promptly verified the report and confirmed unauthorized online casino gaming operations inside the facility, leading to the raid.
The operation resulted in the seizure of various pieces of evidence, including electronic devices and documents related to the unauthorized POGO hub’s activities. Among the detained foreigners are 58 Chinese, eight Japanese, 12 Taiwanese, two Vietnamese, one Mongolian, one St. Kitts & Nevis national, one Brazilian, and 13 Malaysians.
POGO Ban In Effect
Last year, President Marcos banned the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) licensing system and gave operators until the end of 2024 to pack up and leave the country. Now that the ban has gone into effect, the PNP and other crime-fighting agencies have been working to ensure President Marco’s mandate is being implemented.
Since the POGO ban was enacted, numerous raids and arrests have occurred for operators refusing to leave the industry. Some operators have also tried to disguise themselves as legitimate online casinos despite their lack of licensing status.
Are Online Gambling Sites Legal In The Philippines Now That POGO’s Have Been Outlawed?
Yes, online gambling from brick-and-mortar casinos and offshore sites is still legal in the Philippines. The POGO licensing system was targeted towards out-of-country players. Still, it was met with resistance from China and other South Asian countries as they felt the sites were not legitimate and often broke their country’s laws.
In the Philippines, offshore gambling has been practiced since the early 1990s. It has become the best option for players seeking higher rewards, bigger bonuses, and online casino banking options, including digital assets.