Recent worries about potential spies in the Philippines has now spread to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with a particular focus on Cebu.
According to the Manila Times, the National Bureau of Investigation – Central Visayas is intensifying its crackdown on illegal POGOs, not only due to the nationwide ban on the offshore operations but due to concerns they are being used for intelligence gathering for foreign actors.
This comes after the sentencing of ‘POGO mayor’ Alice Guo, who reportedly hid being of Chinese descent, and the recent bust of an alleged Chinese spy ring in the country.
Now authorities are targeting a former POGO hub in Lapu-Lapu City, which was raided late last year. Its location nearby the Naval Forces Central has triggered authorities to further investigate.
While POGOs were outlawed by presidential order, effective from January 1st of this year, authorities have been working to eradicate any illegal operations that may remain. A major concern is that the offshore gaming operations have transitioned into scam centers, prompting concerns of human trafficking and other illegal activities aside from online gaming.