Raided POGO hub linked to love, investment scams —NBI

The alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Paranaque City was engaged in love and investments scams, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said.

In John Consulta’s report on "24 Oras," over 400 individuals working in the hub were taken into custody.  They were mostly Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Myanmar nationals. 

Some tried to run away but were caught by the authorities, the report added.

According to the authorities, the raided company is a big POGO scam hub. Based on scripts found on their computers, the foreigners are involved in love and investment scams.

“Marami silang nabibiktima. Yan ang ginagawa ngayon ng mga remnants ika nga, yun mga ayaw pa (umalis) nag-stay pa dito to victimize other people pa," said NBI Director Jaime Santiago. 

(There are many victims. That's what the remnants are doing right now; those who don't want to (leave) still stay here to victimize other people.) 

The authorities said despite the POGO ban, it seems that the group has no plans to stop its operations. 

“As of last count, ano yan, 450 of different nationalities, they’re mostly Chinese. Yung operations nila have been the subject of surveillance proceedings for quite some time,” said Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Viado. 

(As of the last count, they're 450 of different nationalities; they're mostly Chinese. Their operations have been the subject of surveillance proceedings for quite some time.) 

GMA Integrated News asked for the statement from those arrested. They have been subjected to a proceeding under BI while their cellphones and computers will be examined.

“Hindi pa kasi hindi pa nagrerenew ng business permit e as far as I know, so wala pa silang inspections sa lugar na yun. Ang ginawa nila don it was an old operation, nagsara kunwari binuksan ulit nila," said Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. 

(The business permit has not been renewed yet, as far as I know, so they don't have inspections in that area yet. What they did because it was an old operation, they closed and then opened it again.) —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News