A recent raid by Philippine authorities on an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Lapu-Lapu City has led to the intensification of surveillance and monitoring operations in Central Visayas. The raid, conducted at the request of the Indonesian Embassy, resulted in the rescue of 162 foreign nationals who were being held illegally at the hub.
The operation was a joint effort between the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The raid targeted a resort in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City, where the illegal POGO hub was operating[5).
Details of the raid
- Foreign Nationals Rescued: 162 individuals, including 83 Chinese, 70 Indonesians, 2 Taiwanese, 6 Burmese, and 1 Malaysian;
- Reason for the Raid: Conducted at the request of the Indonesian Embassy to rescue eight Indonesian nationals being held against their will;
- Additional Rescues: Several Filipino women, including a minor, were also rescued and turned over to the social welfare office;
- Involved Agencies: PAOCC, NBI, IACAT, and BI;
- Location: Tourist Garden Hotel in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu;
Implications and next steps
The raid is part of a broader crackdown on POGOs following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s announcement of a nationwide ban on these operations. All POGOs, including those previously licensed by PAGCOR, have been ordered to shut down, and work permits for POGO employees are set to expire by the end of 2024.
Authorities have intensified surveillance and monitoring in Central Visayas, with all police chiefs in Cebu instructed to strengthen their watch for POGOs in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
Legal and administrative actions
- Charges and Proceedings: The arrested foreigners are to face inquest proceedings for violating immigration laws and will be temporarily detained pending their deportation;
- Money Laundering Cases: The NBI plans to file money laundering cases against the suspects involved in the illegal POGO operation;
- Human Trafficking Charges: 18 suspects, including 17 Chinese nationals and a Filipino, have been charged with human trafficking;
The raid and subsequent actions underscore the Philippine government’s commitment to eradicating illegal POGO operations, which have been linked to various illicit activities such as financial scams, money laundering, human trafficking, and more.
