POGO – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Office building in Parañaque City raided, hundreds of employees arrested

February 22, 2025February 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in the City of Parañaque, a team of local law enforcers raided an office building in the Bay Area resulting in hundreds of suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) employees – including 146 foreigners – getting arrested, 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…

Authorities arrested 453 illegal POGO employees in a raid in an office building in the Bay Area of Parañaque City on Thursday.

Operatives from the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime (DOJ OOC) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) enforced an arrest warrant against a Chinese national for fraud.

An Immigration Mission Order was also implemented as the subject is an employee of suspected POGO that has been under surveillance for the past months.

A total of 453 employees including 146 foreigners, mostly Chinese, were caught in front of their computers on the three floors of the building believed to be operating illegal offshore gaming and scamming activities.

“Dalawang taon na raw silang nag-o-operate and they never stopped. Galing daw sila ng ASEANA. Nung medyo uminit daw doon, lumipat daw sila dito,” PAOCC Spokesperson Director Winston Casio told GMA Integrated News.

Initial review of computer screens and interviews with Filipino employees revealed the different scams employed in the alleged POGO.

“Bawat floor, iba-ibang scam. Sa fifth floor at seventh floor, stock investment scam. Pero ang pinagkaiba dito sa seventh floor, may spamming na nagaganap using a Hong Kong mobile,” DOJ OOC Head Agent Innah Protacio-Ladislao said.

“Sa sixth floor is online betting scam. Particularly, target nila is Indian. Sa sixth floor, Filipino ang employees,” Protacio-Ladislao added.

Scripts for scamming were also found in workstations.

Authorities recovered hundreds of computers, laptops, smartphones, pre-registered SIM cards and other gadgets. The said items will be examined and will undergo digital forensics.

Based on information gathered, local authorities issued a closure order on the POGO after it was raided before.

It is now operating under a new name with a Mayor’s permit, business license and a barangay permit. These will form part of the investigation.

“Dapat kasi before they issue yung permits nila, yung sa barangay, yung sa city hall, dapat they do yung talagang religious inspection of the establishment,” PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said.

“Kung ang permit nila is entertainment, are they really indulging yung kumpanya nila sa entertainment? O baka naman scamming yan tulad ng nangyayari dito?” Cruz added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think the City Government is ignoring the presence of POGOs within its jurisdiction? Do you think the Parañaque City Government and barangays should be more careful with reviewing business applications and ensure that no new POGOs will sprout?

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

Crime syndicates may have infiltrated government agencies

February 18, 2025February 9, 2025carlocarrasco

In connection with the recent raid on a particular travel and consultancy firm that was allegedly involved with the issuance of fake Philippine government documents, it seems that crime syndicates may have infiltrated certain agencies of the government, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned that criminal syndicates may have infiltrated key government agencies following the recent raid on a travel and consultancy firm that allegedly facilitated the issuance of fraudulent Philippine government documents.

“The recent raid strengthens our suspicion that criminal syndicates have infiltrated agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine National Police (PNP),” Gatchalian said in a statement on Friday.

This came after members of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) found birth and marriage certificates and a passport with a foreign national’s photo but a Filipino name during a raid at JRB Travel and Consultancy Services Inc. based in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday.

Gatchalian, who has filed a bill to expand Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) authority and impose penalties on civil registrars involved in fraudulent registrations, urged law enforcement to intensify efforts in dismantling these illegal networks.

He cited cases wherein individuals reported paying large sums to the travel agency to secure the release of their detained partners, with one complainant claiming to have paid PHP900,000 to free her fiancé and another paid PHP1.1 million for her husband’s release after a Jan. 17 raid in a Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) center in Parañaque City.

In a press conference on Thursday, PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz described the raided travel agency as the “missing link” in the Senate’s ongoing investigation on POGOs.

He said the firm enabled foreigners to obtain government-issued documents, allowing them to stay in the country despite crackdowns on POGOs.

Aside from document forgery, Cruz revealed that personnel of the travel agency also impersonated PAOCC personnel to extort money.

Cruz, however, clarified that no actual PAOCC officers were involved in the scheme.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to find and arrest all the criminal elements who infiltrated government agencies? Do you think the law enforcers can put a stop on the forgery of government documents?

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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Malacañang declares February 13 a non-working day in Parañaque City in celebration of cityhood anniversary

February 2, 2025January 31, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently, Malacañang Palace issued Proclamation Number 792 formally declaring the date of February 13, 2025 a non-working day in Parañaque City marking its 27^th cityhood anniversary, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The proclamation was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin by the authority of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

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

Malacañang has declared Feb. 13 a non-working holiday in Parañaque City in celebration of the city’s 27th Cityhood Anniversary.

Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez said the declaration was made through Proclamation No. (792) to give city residents the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the celebration.

Olivarez said the city government prepared various activities, including medical services, from Jan. 27 to Feb. 15.

He said the cityhood anniversary kicked off with the presentation of candidates for the much-awaited search for “Gandang Mamita and Gwapitong Papito” on Monday, Jan. 27. The search for the “Ginoo and Binibining Parañaque” will be held on Feb. 4.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this recent development? How interested are you to participate or witness the scheduled activities related to the 27^th anniversary of Parañaque’s cityhood? Do you think the 27^th cityhood anniversary will help you forget about the rampant crime in Parañaque that involved foreigners?

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Eight Chinese nationals arrrested in Parañaque over phishing scam, one suspect still on the loose

January 30, 2025January 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) supported by representatives of theDigital Forensic Laboratory (DFL) arrested eight Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in online phishing, but one other suspect remains at large, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Pieces of evidence were found at the site of the crime.

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

Eight Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in online phishing operations were arrested in Parañaque City, the National Bureau of Investigation announced on Wednesday.

In a news release, the NBI identified the arrested suspects as Xiao Li, Chuan Zi Gao, Ming Ru Li, Wen Shu Liu, Qui Shun Li, Cai Li Pan, Changfu Liu, and Zhang Zhen. A ninth suspect, Hwang Xiaobin, remains at large.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the suspects were engaged in investment fraud, crypto asset/currency scam, romance scam and identity theft through the use of social engineering and digital communication schemes.

Following surveillance on Jan. 14, a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD) was granted by RTC Paranaque City against the group.

On Jan. 17, NBI operatives, together with representatives from the Digital Forensic Laboratory (DFL) implemented the WSSECD.

DFL representatives conducted an onsite examination on a laptop and a desktop found on the site and discovered transcript template of phishing and/or social engineering schemers used in obtaining sensitive information of another person.

Financial transactions of crypto currency scams were also found during the examination, the NBI said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, have you grown tired about your city being such a hot spot of illegal operations, scams and crime involving foreign nationals? What do you think made Parañaque a favorite destination for the remnants of POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and scammers involving foreigners?

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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Ten foreign nationals arrested in Parañaque City village for alleged scamming activities

January 24, 2025January 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in Parañaque City, ten foreign nations were arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged online scamming, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension took place inside a village.

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

Ten foreigners have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a subdivision in Paranaque City where they were found allegedly conducting online scamming activities.

In a statement, the NBI said the 10 foreigners were arrested by operatives of the NBI National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) during the service of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) at a residence in Multinational Village in Paranaque City.

It said all the 10 foreigners face charges of violating Republic Act (RA) 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

The NBI identified seven of the foreigners as Vietnamese nationals Phan Viet Ngan, Do Anh Tuan, Nguyen Duc Anh, Phan Kim Sang, Vo Hong Sy, Nguyen Van Khanh, and Doan Van Dung.

The other foreigners were identified as Chinese nationals Zhang Ming Yi, Xin Yao Huang and Himen Chen.

The NBI said that during the operation, seized from the suspects were computers and transcripts with Chinese characters.

“Based on the seized translated transcripts, Subjects are indeed engaged in phishing and scamming activities,” it said.

“In addition, Operating System Triage conducted on the seized computer units revealed the illegal activities of the Subjects like romance scam, fictitious messaging accounts, fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and fake investment solicitations,” it added.

The NBI said the operation was conducted after NBI-NCR received “an intelligence report that groups of foreign nationals are engaged in Investment Fraud, Crypto Asset or Crypto Currency Scam, Artificial Intelligence scam and High Yield Investment Program (HYIP), Romance scam and identity theft through the use of social engineering scheme and digital communication systems.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think that there could still be a lot more illegal operations secretly happening in residential communities with foreigners doing the work? When was the last time an online scamming operation was discovered 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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NBI agents arrest 12 Chinese nationals in Parañaque City for alleged scamming and immigration violations, 5 locals arrested for bribery attempt at NBI office

January 23, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended twelve Chinese nationals and five locals for alleged scamming operations and an attempt of bribery, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Twelve Chinese nationals and five Filipinos were arrested for alleged scamming operations and attempted bribery, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) bared Tuesday.

The foreigners were arrested in an operation on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Rance Corporate Center Aseana City in Tambo, Paranaque City for alleged violation of the Philippine Immigration Act.

During the operation, NBI personnel found “romance or love scam scripts, messaging applications with fictitious accounts, bank accounts, and fraudulent cryptocurrency scams, and fake investment schemes.”

The discovery resulted in the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals namely: Xu Chao, Meng Wei Shi, Xing Chao, Qin Hai Feng, Li Xiang Hua, Zhang Wei, Wang Qin Xiang, Wang Jia Fa, Jiang Qi Long, Luo Shang Fen, Qixin Wang, and Chen Jiang Song.

The NBI said while the operatives were preparing to return to headquarters with the arrested subjects, a certain Ezechiel Bernales volunteered to come with them, claiming that he is the suspects’ official interpreter.

Bernales allegedly told the NBI operatives that Wang Qin Xiang and Qixin Wang were offering to pay PHP300,000 for the release of each arrested individual or a total of PHP3,600,000.

An entrapment operation was then conducted at the parking lot of the NBI office in Pasay City on Jan. 10 resulting in the arrest of Bernales and four others, namely: Robustiano Hizon, John Abunda Villanueva, Kristoffer Habelito Baguna, and Hanif Bautil.

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 still be a lot more Chinese nationals secretly conducting scam operations? Who do you think could be the mastermind behind the bribery attempt? Are you thankful that the NBI arrested the suspects?

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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Local authorities raid illegal operation inside Cavite resort, 29 foreigners arrested

January 22, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, a team of law enforcers raided an illegal operation inside a Cavite resort and arrested twenty-nine foreign nationals – most of them from China – according to a GMA Network news report. It has been confirmed that there are still several thousands of foreign POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) workers in the country and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act.

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

Despite the nationwide ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), 29 foreigners, including the alleged Chinese boss, were arrested after authorities raided a guerilla operation inside a resort in Silang, Cavite.

According to John Consulta’s report in 24 Oras on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) first discovered the illegal operation of the POGO and shared the information with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

“Mayroong confidential informant na nagpunta sa office, na sinabi niya na may kakaibang nangyayari na doon sa resort, may mga nagda-drop na mga Chinese,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel J Gatdula, CIDG Cavite chief.

(There was a confidential informant who went to the office and said that there’s something sketchy happening at the resort as there were Chinese people dropping by.)

While most of those who were arrested are Chinese, six others are citizens of Myanmar. A Chinese man who was alleged to be the boss denied the accusations.

“No, no boss,” he said.

CIDG Cavite said the POGO workers arrived at the resort last December. They were using laptops instead of desktop computers, with each person using a mobile WiFi instead of an internet router.

Authorities confiscated electronic equipment that were allegedly used for scamming activities.

“Ito yung sinasabi nating nagtatago sa mga resorts, sa mga apartments […] Sa harap pa lang makikita mo na mayroong mga transaction ng cryptocurrency scam,” said PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.

(This is what we have been saying that they could hide in resorts or in apartments […] You can even notice at the facade that they were cryptocurrency scam transactions happening.)

“Dapat wala na sila dito. Kung may mga passports ‘yan, dapat tourist passports lang sila,” he added.

(They should no longer be here. If they have passports, it should be tourist passports.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any suspicious activities happening within your local community? Do you think there could be a lot more POGO-related operations happening inside resorts around the country? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now?

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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32 foreign nationals arrested in Parañaque City for illegal POGO work

January 19, 2025January 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in Parañaque City, thirty-two foreign nationals were arrested by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for their involvement with clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

A joint Bureau of Immigration (BI) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operation netted 32 foreign nationals found to be working for clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in Parañaque City on Friday night.

BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. reported that the foreigners were involved in online gaming and scamming operations in a building in Aseana City, a mixed-use central business district. The operation nabbed 20 Chinese, 11 Malaysians and a Cambodian.

“Let this be a warning to foreign nationals who blatantly continue illegal operations despite the ban of the President,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a news release on Saturday. “We will not stop until all illegal aliens are arrested and deported.”

The BI said more arrests and deportations are expected as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had already banned POGO operations in July 2024.

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 still be many illegal POGO operations being done secretly? Why do you think Parañaque is such a hot spot for illegal POGO operations as well as criminal activities involving foreigners? Do you believe that there are thousands of illegal aliens living and working discreetly in Parañaque?

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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Several thousands of foreign POGO workers still in the country, DOJ issues warning

January 13, 2025January 5, 2025carlocarrasco

While many Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have already banned, there are still more than eleven thousand foreign employees of such businesses remaining in the country and the Department of Justice (DOJ) warned them to submit to authorities, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Department of Justice on Sunday warned foreign Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers to surrender to authorities or face legal consequences that include permanent blacklisting.

“The President is unequivocally clear that POGOs have no place here in the Philippines and we vow to give our all-out support for the sake and welfare of the Filipino people,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.

“This Administration stands firm in its resolve to intensifying its guerilla operations against non-compliant POGOs,” he added.

In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs after several businesses were implicated in a variety (of) crimes, including human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and money scams.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, 22,609 of the 33,863 foreign POGO workers have already left the Philippines. This means around 11,000 foreign POGO workers are still in the country.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the authorities will be able to find the 11,000+ foreign POGO workers who are remaining in the country? Do you think that local candidates running for positions in the 2025 National and Local Elections could secretly have been funded by 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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DILG will ask Parañaque City Government to explain scam hub operation with hundreds of workers

January 12, 2025January 10, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation to the big raid in Parañaque City that resulted hundreds of suspects arrested, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will ask the City Government for an explanation, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will ask the Parañaque government for an explanation over the raided company in the city that was allegedly involved in scam hub operations, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.

The raid took place only a few days after the December 31, 2024 deadline for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.

“Magsusulat kami sa LGU para… manghihingi kami ng paliwanag kung ano talaga ang nangyari,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

(We will write to the LGU so we can ask for an explanation on what really happened.)

This came after authorities raided a company in the city on Wednesday and arrested 400 foreigners.

Remulla, however, said he believes that the local government was unaware of the presence of the company as it has yet to inspect the area where the raid took place.

“Hindi pa alam ng Parañaque ‘yan kasi hindi pa nag re-renew ng business permit. Doon lang naman pumapasok ‘yan, basta nag re-renew ng business permit ‘yan,” he said.

(Parañaque does not know about that because they have yet to renew their business permit. That’s the only way they can inspect, as long as they renew their business permit.)

The official said it seems that the hub was previously operating as a POGO under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

“They supposedly shut down [on] December 15 pero nag resume kaagad sila right after ng December 31. Chineck natin ‘yung mga buildings na ‘yun wala na sila doon pero bumalik at bumalik sila,” Remulla said.

(They supposedly shut down on December 15 but resumed immediately after December 31. We checked those buildings and they were no longer there, but they went back.)

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 still be a lot more POGOs or scam hubs secretly operating? Do you think the City Government could be aware of such illegal operations happening within their jurisdiction?

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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