PNP orders manhunt for Muntinlupa scam hub masterminds, financiers

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered a follow-up operation to locate and arrest the masterminds and financiers behind an underground scam hub in Muntinlupa City.

The investigation stemmed from the June 15 arrest of an alleged manager of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) in Muntinlupa City, which led to the discovery of the suspected scam facility.

Authorities said the scam hub was reportedly running multiple fraudulent websites.

In a statement on Sunday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed a deeper probe into the identities of those behind the illegal activity.

He said operations will go beyond raid efforts, prioritizing “tracking down the syndicate’s top-tier leadership.”

“Our personnel are actively tracking down these scam hubs, which have splintered into guerrilla-style operations following the government’s total ban on Pogos,” he added.

READ: PNP intensifies ops vs ‘guerrilla-style’ scam hubs tied to Pogos

Police investigators are mapping out the group’s command structure and digital footprint.

Electronic devices such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, and flash drives recovered during the raid are undergoing forensic analysis.

The PNP is also coordinating with other government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to strengthen intelligence-led operations against similar scam hubs across the country.

It is likewise working with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to trace remaining illegal operations and possible network links.

Nartatez stressed that public cooperation and information sharing remain crucial in identifying and dismantling these syndicates.

“The PNP will continue to work with LGUs in acting on intelligence information that will help dismantle these clandestine networks across the country,” Nartatez said. /mcm