Following unconfirmed reports that there are still guerilla Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs operating in some areas in the country, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lieutenant General Rommel Francisco Marbil has vowed to eradicate them all by the end of the current year.

This came after the successful raid of a POGO hub at the 40-story Century Peak Tower on Adriatico Street in Ermita, Manila which was dubbed as the ‘mother of all scam hubs’ because it served as the central hub for POGO operations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces and 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 asserted in full commitment to the crackdown on illegal POGOs with just two months to go until yearend.

Meanwhile, the PNP chief clarified that operations targeting cybercrimes are executed exclusively by the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation (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 concluded.