Last year, the Philippines banned local offshore gaming operators (POGOs), but some are still setting up operations in residential areas.
The Manila Standard reports that residents of the upscale Multinational Village area in Parañaque suspect that one such company is operating a clandestine illegal gaming operation.
An organization known as I AM MULTI, which is made up of residents of Multinational Village, claims to have identified 16 addresses in the area that may be linked to illegal online gaming.
The group has pledged to support law enforcement in investigating these activities, which it calls “guerrilla POGOs,” despite the government’s ban, which took effect on January 1.
In an open letter to the Manila Standard, the group supported the government’s initiatives against the alleged illegal gaming activities. However, they highlighted the ongoing challenge of rooting out these operations.
“The previous raids did curb the excesses of Chinese activities in the village. However, we feel that they are returning and are now operating more covertly due to their volatile situation,” the group said.
According to I AM MULTI, suspected POGO-related operations are scattered across several streets in Multinational Village. The group recorded these addresses and shared part of the list with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Representative Dan Fernandes back in 2024. However, authorities have yet to take action.
Aside from concerns about illegal gambling activities, the group noted two cases of crimes involving Chinese nationals in December 2024. One kidnapping occurred on Andrew Street and the other on John Paul Street.
These incidents have heightened concerns about the potential link between illegal gambling and criminal activities in the area.
Nevertheless, the government is confident of eradicating POGOs. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered local government units (LGUs) to submit certificates certifying the absence of POGO operations within their jurisdictions by January 10.
Remulla is confident that POGO-related activities in Metro Manila, including Parañaque City, have been largely eradicated. However, he stressed the need for continued efforts to locate and dismantle the remaining facilities, even in special economic zones and free ports that may operate under more relaxed regulations.
“We have no borders, no walls high enough for us to climb over… we can enter all these places,” Remulla said.
Despite the government’s assurances and actions, residents of Multinational Village remain concerned. I AM MULTI co-organizer Janet Ong noted that large structures resembling famous POGO centers continue to be erected in the area, which is zoned for residential use.
The residents’ persistent advocacy has brought the issue to national attention, but they are calling for stronger action to combat the alleged illegal activities.
The group’s revelations in 2024 led to increased media and government scrutiny, which eventually contributed to a complete ban on POGO operations. However, residents argue that more needs to be done to ensure that their community is free from such activities and the risks that come with them.
In this regard, according to the Manila Standard, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently conducted a major raid in Parañaque, arresting about 400 foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal online fraudulent activities.
The raid, conducted in Barangay Tambo, targeted a company suspected of engaging in POGO-like activities, including fraudulent schemes targeting victims overseas.
Fortunato Manahan Jr., BI Intelligence Division chief, said the suspects had been under surveillance for some time. “It was determined that their operations violated immigration laws and posed a significant risk to the public,” he said.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stressed the importance of such raids in combating illegal activities.
“This raid is part of our intensified efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure that foreign nationals residing in the country comply with our laws. We will not tolerate any activities that endanger the safety and welfare of the public,” Viado said.
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