Most of 509 apprehended in POGO and scam hubs are Chinese — ex-PAOCC spox

MANILA — Authorities apprehended 509 foreign nationals in operations related to Philippine offshore gaming operators and scam hubs from February to October.

Dr. Winston Casio, former Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission spokesperson and director, said most of those apprehended are Chinese nationals based on documents and records.

He added the 509 may represent less than 10 percent of the actual number of foreign nationals involved in these operations.

“They never left, they simply hid under the radar,” he also said.

He said POGO workers continue to operate in several areas, including Makati, Parañaque, and Las Piñas, extending all the way to Cavite.

Citing information from unnamed assets, Casio said the POGO and scam center workers are shuttled to and from where they work.

“Hindi mo na sila makikita katulad nung araw, pakalat-kalat nagyoyosi, kumakain sa labas ng building,” he said.

(You will not see them loitering, smoking, or eating outside their buildings.)

Casio urged local government units to deploy their Business Permits and Licensing Office personnel to inspect sprawling commercial districts and determine which businesses are actually operating in the areas.

He made clear he is not blaming local chief executives, just encouraging tighter monitoring of work spaces in their areas.

“Maging masinop po doon sa due diligence sana ng pag-issue ng business permit doon sa mga commercial buildings. Kasi, nandiyan po sila,” he said. 

(Let’s be careful with the due diligence in issuing business permits for the commercial buildings because that’s where they are.)

Casio stressed that local executives have a responsibility to know what is happening in their jurisdictions.

He also warned that if POGO and scam hub operations are not dismantled, “illegal offshore gaming money will flood into the Philippines’ 2027 – 2028 campaign season.”