Police Rescue 83 Workers in Taguig POGO Crackdown

The Philippine National Police (PNP), working alongside the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Southern Police District (SPD), raided an establishment in One World Square, Upper McKinley Hills, after serving a war.rant of arrest for a Chinese national linked to an estafa case. During the operation, investigators uncovered what they described as a large-scale illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) disguised as an IT solutions and BPO firm. The site was reportedly connected to Sea IT Consulting Solution Company and the gaming platform pin77.com.

Authorities arrested 17 foreign nationals, 012 Chinese, four Malaysian, and one Vietnamese, believed to be part of the illegal gaming setup. Meanwhile, 83 Filipinos found working on the premises told police they had been misled into accepting roles presented as legitimate employment. They have been classified as victims and are expected to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Initial findings showed the company had no registration with PAGCOR as a Gaming System Administrator, Gaming Affiliate, Venue Operator, or Special Class BPO, confirming its illegal status. Those arrested now face charges under Presidential Decree No. 1602 on illegal gambling, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the SIM Registration Act.

The raid aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prohibit all POGO and IGL operations nationwide. It also follows recent legal scrutiny surrounding POGO-linked trafficking cases, including the conviction of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling illicit gaming networks and protecting workers from exploitation.