Paranaque LGU Under Scrutiny Over POGO-like Company with 400 Foreign Employees

Jonvic Remulla, the secretary of the interior and local government, stated that he will request an explanation from the Parañaque City government regarding the presence of a corporation that was raided in Barangay Tambo and functioned similarly to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

The Bureau of Immigration arrested over 400 foreign people last Wednesday on suspicion of engaging in fraudulent activities at the company.

“Full operation eh, 400 plus, so susulat kami sa LGU magpapakita, hihingi kami ng paliwanag kung ano talaga ang nangyari,” Remulla said.

Remulla previously stated that LGUs were directed to take into account the potential for POGO operations of businesses while they were renewing business permits.

At the conclusion of each month, Remulla promised to issue a directive to mayors stating that their cities or municipalities are free of POGO.

“Pero mensahe ito sa lahat ng LCE (Local Chief Executives), tibayin niyo trabaho niyo, husayan niyo trabaho, siguraduhin niyong inspeksyunin niyo lahat ng mga building kasi kayo rin ang mananagot kung mahuli namin na pinasok niyo mga building at hindi kayo nag-report sa amin,” Remulla said.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has ordered the immediate deportation of arrested foreign nationals, primarily Chinese, involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).

"We are currently processing their information, gathering their names, and verifying their immigration status," Viado stated. "This is a crucial step to ensure swift and appropriate action."

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last July declared a complete ban on POGOs by the end of 2024, citing concerns about their exploitation by criminal organizations. Authorities have linked POGOs to various illicit activities, including human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings, and even murder.