Another illegal Pogo firm uncovered, this time in Las Piñas City, which led to the arrest of 265 Chinese nationals. Photo from NCRPO PIO
MANILA, Philippines — Two hundred sixty-five Chinese nationals were rounded up Thursday night for working in an alleged illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) firm located inside a hotel in Las Piñas City.
In a Friday report from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), joint operatives of the NCRPO Regional Special Operations Group, Southern Police District and Las Piñas City police station raided a hotel along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno at 9 p.m.
Seized in the operation were 110 laptops; 467 cellphones; cash worth P6,463,490, about 143 pieces of foreign currency bill, 20 pieces of computer adaptor, 30 computer mouse, seven assorted cables and wires, 11 extension wires, three central processing unit, two pocket wifi, 33 Chinese IDs, 99 computer keyboard, 251 Chinese passports, three computer tables, 35 internet modem, two money counting machines and another 10 units of wifi.
NCRPO Public Information Office said prior to the raid, the police launched a week of surveillance and intelligence gathering against the establishment after receiving reports from confidential informants.
After further investigation, the Business Permit and Licensing Office said the Pogo company was not registered.
The suspects are now detained at the NCRPO Headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City while complaints for violations of Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and Executive Order 112 are to be filed against them.
The immigration status of the suspects are yet to be determined while investigation is ongoing.
Metro Manila police chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas said in a statement that the police will continue its anti-criminality operations despite the coronavirus disease crisis.
The government allowed Pogos to partially operate during the quarantine period, provided that they will follow strict protocols. Pogos must also seek accreditation from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.