PNP chief Marbil vows to eradicate Pogos by end of 2024

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil has vowed to eradicate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) within the remaining months of 2024.

READ: PNP-ACG led Manila Pogo hub raid – NCRPO

Marbil issued his statement on Sunday following the raid at the 40-story Century Peak Tower on Adriatico Street in Ermita, Manila which was dubbed as the “mother of all scam hubs.”

It reportedly served as the central hub for Pogo operations, allegedly harboring hundreds of individuals, including 69 foreign nationals, involved in illicit activities.

“This operation is a testament to the dedication of our PNP-ACG (Anti-Cybercrime Group) personnel, whose relentless pursuit of justice has exposed and disrupted a significant hub of criminal activity linked to online scams, illegal gambling, and human trafficking,” Marbil said.

“We have two months to go to clear the country of these illegal Pogos,” he added.

During his State of the Nation Address last July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared the Pogo ban and ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to cease Pogo operations by the end of 2024.

On Sunday, the National Capital Region Police Office clarified that the Manila Pogo raid was conducted by the PNP-ACG after the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) distanced itself from the October 29 operation.

The PAOCC said it was not part of the raid, which it described as a “flawed” operation because foreign suspects were released.

Marbil said the operations “targeting cybercrimes are executed exclusively by the PNP and the NBI, as these agencies possess the specialized skills necessary to address such offenses.”

“This operation not only exposes the vast reach of illegal Pogo activities but also reinforces the unwavering resolve of law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks, uphold public safety, and preserve the rule of law in every sector of cyber enforcement,” he added.