Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) – Page 3

Local government units (LGUs) required by DILG to submit “no POGO” certificates by the end of the month

January 10, 2025January 3, 2025carlocarrasco

With Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) already banned and a lot of their foreign employees have left the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) required the local government units (LGUs) to submit “no POGO” certificates by the end of January 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. In relation, this involves the inspection of commercial buildings and other ways of checking the compliance with the POGO ban.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

Local governments and police have been given the green light to inspect commercial buildings covered by business permits as well as residences in their jurisdiction to check for compliance with the government’s total ban on POGOs (Philippine Overseas Gaming Operations), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with Justice officials, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said local government units (LGUs) are required to submit “No POGO” certificates in their localities by the end of the month.

“LGUs are responsible for checking all the buildings, (and utilize) the occupancy permits, the electric permits, the fire safety permits so they would have full capacity to enter all the buildings,” Remulla explained.

Aside from commercial and residential building inspections, LGUs may also check if owners are paying correct real property taxes. Remulla noted that POGOs operate where there is available bandwidth.

“They cannot operate in remote areas because there would be no Internet there. They have a high bandwidth requirement to be able to operate,” he said.

Remulla also clarified that special economic zone areas or SEZAs are not exempt from the ban under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 74.

“It is very clear that with EO 74, CEZA, PEZA zones are not exempted. We have no boundaries. There are no walls high for us to climb. All these areas, we can inspect,” he said.

“The government’s anti-POGO campaign is an ongoing thing, (it’s) forever. We will continue to be vigilant about it,” Remulla stressed.

He added that the DILG will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy on erring local government officials in the campaign against POGOs.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think local governments will really work to meet the requirement of the DILG regarding POGOs? Does your local government still allow POGOs to operate?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 50

January 6, 2025January 1, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back, my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 HolyLandSite’s examination of Kursi and Lord Jesus’ power over the demonic realm – Kursi is a place in the east side of the Sea of Galilee in the region of Gerasenes (or Gadarenes) in Israel where two men possessed by demons stayed at. HolyLandSite produced this video to emphasize the biblical relevance of the place, what happened and, most of all, the immense power Lord Jesus had over the demonic forces that caused huge problems for people back then. This is a biblical examination of the place and a lively reminder of the light and authority of Lord Jesus, the Savior and Hope of ALL nations. Grab a copy of the Holy Bible and then watch the video from start to finish.

#2 GTV Japan examines Nintendo’s crisis – Remember back in the late 1980s when a shortage of ROM chips prevented Nintendo from releasing games on time? Back in those days, microchips were essential for manufacturing cartridges of games for consoles. A lot of people believed that Nintendo, which already had several restrictions on game publishing and business with 3^rd party game companies, deliberately created the shortage for their advantage. There is a lot more details and developments that happened beyond the perceived shortage and the video by GTV Japan has a very in-depth look at it in the video below.

#3 What the hard drive of terrorist Bin Laden contained – Remember when America found and eliminated the mass murderer and terrorist Osama Bin Laden in 2011? YouTuber fern published a video focused on one particular aspect related to the operation that took Bin Laden down – the sensitive information contained in his hard drive. The video also has a key analyst interviewed who provided a lot of insight. Watch the video now.

#4 Wokeness in Japan exposed – Believe it or not, there definitely is wokeness in Japan and it was exposed a lot during their news media coverage of the 2024 US Presidential Election which Donald Trump won. In fact, a certain Japanese professor who was included in the media outlet’s coverage (being in the studio with others) was so liberal, he got frustrated as Commie Kamala Harris lost and he even reiterated the Democrats’ buzz words like “threat to democracy”. Think about it very carefully. The Democrats and their Satanic Left pawns have been spreading their distorted views in Japan and influenced some people there. The woke-minded in Japan may not realize it but they are looking and sounding awkward (if not pathetic). Perhaps some woke nuts of Japan love Islamic terrorists and I know they have pro-Palestine zealots. Watch and learn from the video below.

#5 Controversial Alice Guo featured in episode of Dark Asia with Megan – Alice Guo (AKA Guo Hua Ping), the controversial former mayor of Bamban who has been detained for various charges, is now the subject of a new episode of Dark Asia with Megan. For the newcomers reading this, Alice Guo is notorious in the Philippines not only for her links with POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) but also for her very questionable background with regards to citizenship, family and origin. She even escaped the Philippines temporarily before getting brought back. In fact, Alice Guo’s case raises a lot of questions about national security, espionage and foreign infiltration into the systems of governance in the Philippines. Watch and learn from the Dark Asia with Megan video.

#6 PatmanQC examines Donkey Kong – Long before Donkey Kong Country became a massive critical and commercial hit with gamers around the world, there was the original Donkey Kong in 1981. I never played the arcade version but I played Donkey Kong on the Atari 2600 back in the early 1980s and it was a fun game. A short time later, I played the ColecoVision version and was impressed to see the graphical improvements. The production history of Donkey Kong is really interesting and PatmanQC produced not just one but two documentary videos about the game.

#7 Popcorn in Bed and You, Me and the Movies react to Vertigo – Vertigo, the classic film directed by Alfred Hichcock, was one of the first twenty-five films selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. That being said, it is not surprising that it has been the subject of several movie reaction videos on YouTube. If you have not seen it, I encourage you to watch it entirely first when you have the chance. Otherwise, I encourage you to watch the reaction videos of Popcorn in Bed, and You, Me and the Movies below.

#8 Ashleigh Burton reacts to Signs – Back in 2002, I saw Signs inside a packed local cinema during the evening. The film directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Mel Gibson kept moviegoers in suspense and occasionally pulled off some sudden scary moments. That being said, you have to see Ashleigh Burton react to it.

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NBI agents arrest Chinese nationals and rescue helper during Parañaque City raid

December 27, 2024December 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a house resulting in the rescue of a helper and the apprehension of several Chinese nationals, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

The authorities rescued a house helper in Parañaque City after being locked in by her employer operating a (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation) (POGO).

According to John Consulta’s report on 24 Oras, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents raided a house inside an exclusive subdivision in Parañaque City.

On the third floor, some Chinese nationals were caught online.

The helper said when she found out about the illegal activities happening inside the house, they locked her inside the house.

“Noong bigla ako umakyat doon at nakita ko na ganun ang trabaho nila. Noong malaman ko binabawalan na nila akong umakyat, bawal na ako lumabas kasi baka magkwento raw ako sa labas. Binabawalan nila akong maglinis sa third floor. Natatakot po ako,” she said.

(When I went up there, I saw what they were doing. When I found out what they were really doing they banned me from going upstairs, I wasn’t allowed to go out because I might tell someone about this outside. They forbid me to clean the third floor. I’m afraid.)

The NBI said she wasn’t able to go out since November.

“Nag-start ng November na ‘di na siya pinapalabas, restricted na galaw niya. Kahit sa paggamit ng cellphone, di na siya pinapagamit ng maayos,” said Terence Long-e, NBI agent.

(It started in November that she was no longer allowed to go out, her movements were restricted. Even when using a cell phone, she is not allowed to use it.)

Luckily, she was able to call a friend who then asked for help from the NBI.

The authorities discovered their scripts on the computers and the various online frauds they were into. There is also an indication that they are preying on some Filipinos.

“Nakakita kami ng mga written script which indicates social engineering scheme, may cryptocurrency scripts, may money muling, may nakita kaming romance scam script,” said NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc.

(We have found written scripts that indicate social engineering schemes, there are cryptocurrency scripts, money muling, and we have found romance scam scripts.)

“They come from a big POGO organization, dahil sa wala na nga, pinatigil na ng pangulo ang POGO, nagdivide sila into smaller group at tinuloy nila ang mga kalokohan nila,” said NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

(They come from a big POGO organization because it’s gone, the president stopped the POGO, they divided into smaller groups, and they continued their nonsense.)

Seven Chinese nationals were arrested and are facing multiple complaints. No one among them gave a statement.

The NBI will assist the rescued helper to return home to her two children in Davao.

“Yung finile namin is at least apat na charges, merong afasa, may Kasambahay Law, may Republic Act 10175, at merong expanded Anti- Human Trafficking in Persons Act,” said Lotoc.

(Our final is at least four charges: there is a fast, there is the Maid Law, there is Republic Act 10175, and there is the expanded Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be small groups of POGOs secretly setting up new and illegal operations within your local community? Do you think Parañaque has something that makes it a preferable destination for Chinese nationals to set up illegal operations?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Armed men disguised as police personnel entered Parañaque village and kidnapped a foreigner

December 21, 2024December 20, 2024carlocarrasco

Very recently in the city of Parañaque, a group of armed men mostly disguised as personnel of the police entered a residential community and managed to kidnap a foreign national who was described as a “boss” of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO), according to a GMA Network news report. The kidnapping was captured on camera.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA Network. Some parts in boldface…

A Chinese man suspected to be a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) boss was kidnapped by men posing as police in Parañaque City.

In Jun Veneracion’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” six armed men came out of a van, which was parked in front of the house that the victim was renting.

Most of the armed men wore shirts and vests with the word “police” on the back.

CCTV footage showed that the armed men approached the security guard, disarmed him and approached another person.

A few minutes later, two men held the victim as he went outside his house in handcuffs.

“Ito po ayan na po si [censored] sinakay nila sa Hiace at tuloy tuloy na po yan. Pumasok po sila around 3:20 [p.m.] at lumabas around 3:50 [p.m.] siguro. Around 30 minutes sila sa loob ng village,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Eric Angustia, assistant chief of police for administration of the Parañque City Police Station.

(The victim was boarded into the Hiace. The armed men went into the village at 3:20 p.m. and came out around 3:50 p.m. They were there for about 30 minutes.)

The Parañque City Police Station said the armed men disguised themselves as police to kidnap the victim.

“Ayon sa security guard sa Gate 1, nagpakilala sila na mga pulis at may operation sa loob magsi-serve ng isang warrant of arrest. Nagpanggap lang ito na mga pulis para mabilis makapasok,” Angustia said.

(According to the security guard of Gate 1, the armed men introduced themselves as police and said they would serve an arrest warrant to the victim. They disguised themselves as policemen to easily enter the village.)

The whereabouts and wellbeing of the victim are still unknown.

Upon investigation, the police found that one of the suspects was a former security guard of the subdivision. A witness saw him talking to the victim’s two guards near his house days before the crime.

“Lumalabas po sa imbestigasyon na kasabwat sila sa insidente kaya inaaresto natin sila yung dalawa,” Angustia said.

(The investigation revealed that they were accomplices in the incident so we arrested them.)

The victim’s guards will be facing kidnapping charges along with seven other suspects who remain subjects of police manhunt. The suspects refused to give comments and said they would talk to their lawyers first.

According to the investigation, the victim is a businessman and is considered a POGO boss in Parañaque. The police are still looking for the mastermind of the kidnapping, who, until now, is not asking for a ransom.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that your local community could someday get infiltrated by armed kidnappers pretending to be police officers or government agents and get away with criminal acts? When was the last time a kidnapping incident happened inside your village? How reliable are your village security guards?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Foreigner convicted for operating POGO-related prostitution den

December 8, 2024December 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in Pasay City, a Chinese national was convicted by a Regional Trial Court (RTC) for operating a prostitution operation that was flocked by employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to a GMA Network news report. The said operation offered Filipino women to the customers.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

A Pasay court convicted a Chinese national for running a prostitution den of Filipino women catering to foreign POGO workers.

In a 69-page decision promulgated on November 28, the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 113 sentenced a Chinese national also known as “Boss Ayang” to two (2) life terms and a fine amounting to P4,000,000.

The court found “Boss Ayang” guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violations of RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

The cases stemmed from a raid by Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) in a condominium complex in Pasay last November 25, 2023.

Fourteen (14) Filipino women including one (1) minor were rescued from a prostitution den catering exclusively to foreigners working in POGOs or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.

The court held that in the cases, all of the elements of the crime are present.

“The accused Ayang’s purpose of hiring and maintaining the victims was to exploit them for prostitution or sexual exploitation, because the victims were ordered to engage in sexual activities for payment,” the court said.

The Court found “the testimonies of the witnesses for the prosecution to be candid, straightforward, and credible.”

The victims positively identified “Boss Ayang” as the mastermind of the prostitution operation.

One testified to have serviced “thirty to fifty (30-50) clients” in just one month of working for Ayang.

She added that “Ayang distributed clients to them through their group chat” and “she went to different hotels or condominiums to meet clients.”

Payments were made either in person through Philipine Peso, RMB or Chinese Yuan or through cashless transactions directly to Boss Ayang.

The victims “would remit half of their earnings to accused Ayang” and payment was made through mobile transfers “Ayang would give the portion of the victims in cash.”

The court said the “accused took advantage of their vulnerability of being impoverished, innocent, and having hailed from outside the metro which contributed to the disadvantaged conditions of the victims”.

The court, however, acquitted the two (2) other accused in the case. The court found insufficient evidence to hold the Filipina accused as a principal in the trafficking of the victims.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any secretive prostitution joints happening somewhere within your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Can the DOT achieve its 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitor arrivals?

November 15, 2024November 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that as of November 1, 2024, it has recorded 4.8 million international visitor arrivals, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. That is around three million short of its 2024 target of 7.7 million.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

International visitor arrivals to the Philippines reached more than 4.8 million, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Friday.

In a statement announcing its attendance at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the DOT said the event would serve as an opportunity to invite more tourists from the European market, especially as it makes up a huge percentage of the foreign visitors to the country.

“The United Kingdom leads as the top European source of visitors, ranking as the Philippines’ ninth-largest source market, with 128,660 arrivals recorded from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31,” it said.

“As the UK outbound travel market rebounds, it presents a valuable opportunity for the Philippines.”

As of Nov. 1, the number of international visitors to the Philippines has reached 4,879,022, less than 3 million away from the DOT’s yearend target of 7.7 million arrivals.

With UK tourists increasingly seeking destinations that offer value for money and experience, the DOT is confident the Philippines’ “diverse landscapes, rich history, and immersive travel experiences” align well with the market’s preferences.

By doing the math, 4,879,022 international tourist arrivals covering the period of January 1 to November 1 (306 days) is equivalent to 15,944.516 per day. Multiply that current average by 366 days for 2024 (a leap year), the total would be 5,835,693 international tourist arrivals which is clearly short of the target.

Of course, it is expected that more visitors from overseas will increase sharply this December as many Filipinos based abroad will be coming home for Christmas and New Year celebrations with families. It remains to be seen how the DOT and its strategic partners will accommodate the anticipated high influx of visitors from overseas. It is recalled that the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and China Banking Corp. found the nation’s Philippine tourism recovery still lacking.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development? Do you think the DOT can still hit its 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitor arrivals by the end of December? Do you think news about crime connected with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are discouraging foreigners from visiting the Philippines? Do you wish to see the DOT get more involved with special events such as food festivals, entertainment conventions, film festivals, international sports events, car shows and the like?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project, special event or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

8 illegal aliens who were arrested in Alabang will be deported

November 4, 2024November 2, 2024carlocarrasco

The eight illegal aliens – seven Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese citizen – who were recently arrested inside Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, will soon be deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). All of the suspects were found to be undocumented and also under suspicion of scamming.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The eight foreigners apprehended for illegally staying in the country at a village in Muntinlupa City are set for deportation, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Friday.

Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, in a news release, said seven Chinese nationals and a Vietnamese national were arrested by operatives of the BI’s intelligence division along three streets inside the village on Oct. 22.

“The homeowner association representatives of the Ayala Alabang Village were very helpful in helping us verify target areas,” he said in statement.

All of them were found to be undocumented — two of whom were also found to be overstaying while one was suspected to be an illegal entrant.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier reported that items used for online scamming were seized from the suspects.

Viado noted that they have received information that smaller “pockets” of scamming hubs are forming after the closure of big Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs in the country.

“We have found reason to file deportation cases against them. They will be considered undesirables once their cases are resolved, and face deportation,” the BI chief added.

The operation was conducted with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the NBI National Capital Region (NCR).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted that the local authorities arrested the illegal aliens and prevented them from proceeding with scams? Do you think there are small groups from POGOs that could be secretly operating in your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Eight foreigners (suspected scammers) arrested inside Ayala Alabang Village

November 2, 2024October 24, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, eight foreigners – seven Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese citizen – suspected for scamming got arrested inside a house in Ayala Alabang Village as a result of an operation by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Malaya Business Insight news report. Some parts in boldface…

SEVEN Chinese and a Vietnamese suspected as scammers were arrested in an operation in Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City, the Department of Justice said yesterday.

In a statement, the DOJ said the operation, carried out with the Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, stemmed from information provided by residents and corroborated by intelligence regarding the presence of the foreigners in the posh village.

The DOJ said three Chinese were initially nabbed, two of whom were found to be overstaying in the country, while the other one could not present any documentation.

It said one of the three served for a time as a manager of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

“Upon entry, there was a live computer operated by a Chinese individual. When read by an interpreter, the screen showed scripts used in a standard phishing scam,” the DOJ said, adding operatives also found a voice-over IP, an equipment usually used in telephone scams to avoid detection.

Four Chinese and the Vietnamese were later arrested.

The DOJ said four failed to present documentation and were considered illegally staying in the country.

“One Chinese national, though not lacking in documentation, is suspected to have harbored the illegal aliens in violation of immigration laws,” the DOJ said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned that scammers from overseas could be living somewhere in your local community secretly doing illegal operations? Do you think that foreign POGO workers could be secretly staying in your village right now? Do you think the seven arrested Chinese nationals could be spies of Communist China?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Small groups from POGOs moving into residential areas

October 25, 2024October 16, 2024carlocarrasco

The nationwide ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is arguably working. That being said, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated that the POGOs have been forming smaller groups which have moved into residential areas to secretly operate, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) appear to be trying to evade the authorities by forming smaller groups and setting up in residential areas, the National Bureau of Investigation said amid a raid on a group of alleged scammers.

In a report by John Consulta on 24 Oras on Tuesday, 17 foreigners were arrested in the raid on a residential unit in Makati City. They were caught at their workstations for alleged scamming activities, including love scams and crypto scams.

“Pag nakakuha sila ng pool of information, magko-conduct sila ng background investigation kung sino ang target nila. Pag nakita nila yung pattern, yung character, yung hobby, yung daily activities at the same time yung longings ng kanilang victims, ie-engage nila through social engineering,” said National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division Chief Jeremy Lotoc.

(When they get a pool of information, they will conduct a background investigation on their target. When they see the pattern, the character, the hobby, the daily activities, and at the same time the longings of their victims, they will engage through social engineering.)

“Merong hacker, merong buyer ng data. May nakita kaming program-coded script na pwede magamit to access other systems without the authority nor consent of the system owner we assume meron silang activity in terms of hacking,” Lotoc added.

(There is a hacker, and there is a buyer of data. We found a program-coded script that can be used to access other systems without the authority or consent of the system owner. We assume they have activity in terms of hacking.)

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said they are from big Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies.

“Yung malalaking POGO, nag-group sila into smaller group, nag-o-occupy ng residential units, apartments, para hindi mahalata na POGO, yun pa rin. To continue their scamming activities,” said NBI Director Jimmy Santiago.

(These big POGOs form smaller groups and occupy residential units so that they can’t be detected. Then they continue their scamming activities.)

The NBI is already examining the computers to obtain the details of their victims, while an inquest has already been conducted on those arrested and they are facing online fraud complaints and the violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be these small POGO-related units secretly operating within the residential communities near you? Has there been a raid in your local community in connection with POGOs, scamming and hacking?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Office market shrinks in connection with nationwide POGO ban

October 24, 2024October 14, 2024carlocarrasco

It has been months since the nationwide ban on POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) was declared and this resulted in the shrinking of the office market as demand for office spaces weakened, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The total ban on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) contributed to a significant decrease in the demand for office spaces in the third quarter of the year, property brokerage firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said.

In a statement, LPC said office take-up from July to September dropped by 21 percent to only 215,000 square meters (sqm), with the POGO industry’s downsize and other tenants’ transfer to newer spaces contributing to an increase in vacancies.

The POGO industry was one of the main drivers of the residential and office markets at the time of the Duterte administration, until getting totally banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this year amid their venture into illicit areas.

“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system and laws must stop. We need to stop them and their abuse to our country,” Marcos Jr. said.

Despite the decline in office take-ups this quarter, LPC said that the country is on track to surpass the one million sqm office demand registered last year.

“The year-to-date demand for office space has reached 900,000 sqm, marking an 11 percent increase over the first three quarters of 2023,” it said.

In terms of leasing pattern, LPC said tenants are now shifting from higher-quality buildings to offices that can offer better and larger spaces.

In terms of location, the bay area continues to be the top choice, with office take-up driven primarily by government agencies occupying 80,000 sqm in the first nine months of the year. Outside Metro Manila, Cebu remains the top provincial market with the higher take-up coming from the IT-BPM industry.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the shrinking of the office market is temporary at best and a recovery could begin before the end of the year? Do you favor the ban on POGOs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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