Police in Central Visayas reported that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have resorted to employing novel strategies, such as concealing themselves in remote regions
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| A recent aerial observation from the Happy Bear Villa Resort's official social media page highlights its serene and rural setting in Moalboal town. |
Cebu, Philippines - In the realm of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), a recent shift in tactics has caught the attention of law enforcement authorities in Central Visayas. Police have raised concerns over suspected perpetrators migrating to secluded establishments in far-flung communities, marking a notable change in the modus operandi of illegal POGO hubs, with a particular focus on discoveries in Cebu.
On October 9, a significant development unfolded as Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel unearthed a suspected scamming hub operated by foreign nationals within the confines of the Happy Bear Villa Resort in Barangay Saavedra, Moalboal town, situated to the south of Cebu. This discovery shed light on the evolving landscape of illicit activities linked to POGOs in the region.
Gerard Ace Pelare, the spokesperson of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas, affirmed on Tuesday, October 15, the presence of 38 undocumented Chinese nationals at the resort, now in the custody of the Moalboal Police Station. This revelation underscored the gravity of the situation and the imperative for swift and decisive action against such operations.
Pelare emphasized the strategic shift observed in these scamming hubs, contrasting them with the previously uncovered POGO at the Tourist Garden Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City on August 31. The recent perpetrators have displayed a penchant for moving away from densely populated urban centers to remote rural areas for their operations. “What we have discovered in Moalboal is that ilang gipili ang usa ka resort nga dili kaayo high-end (they have chosen a resort that is not very high-end). Then, it’s very secluded, it’s more or less 7 kilometers from the highway,” Pelare elucidated, highlighting the calculated choices made by these individuals to avoid detection.
Furthermore, Pelare noted a stark contrast in the scale of operations between the two POGO hubs. The number of workers involved in the Moalboal establishment paled in comparison to the extensive workforce discovered at the Tourist Garden Hotel POGO, which harbored at least 160 foreign nationals. Despite the reduced manpower, the enforced containment of employees within the premises mirrored the restrictive measures observed in other illicit POGO setups.
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As the authorities navigate this evolving landscape of illegal POGO activities, vigilance and collaboration remain paramount to combatting such nefarious operations. The strategic adaptations witnessed in the concealment and operation of these hubs underscore the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the integrity of communities against illicit activities.
In the complex web of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), law enforcement agencies have identified crucial indicators that signal the presence of illicit activities within establishments. One such telltale sign, as highlighted by the police, is the installation of high-speed internet connections in suspicious locations, serving as a red flag for potential involvement in illegal POGO operations.
Prior to the uncovering of the Happy Bear Villa POGO in Moalboal, a telecommunications company raised alarm bells by alerting the local government of an "unusual request" for a high-speed internet connection installation at the resort. This proactive tip-off played a pivotal role in initiating investigations into dubious activities taking place within the vicinity.
Captain Brigido Paca, the chief of the Moalboal Police Station, disclosed to Rappler on October 10 that swift action was facilitated by the timely intervention of concerned parties following the telecommunications company's alert. This cooperative effort led to the apprehension of suspects lacking travel documents but in possession of a substantial cache of electronic devices, including over 200 smartphones, 4 laptops, and 34 personal computers. Subsequently, police secured a search warrant to seize these devices, further unraveling the extent of the illicit operations.
"We are suspecting that they won't be the last to be discovered…there will be a few more that are possibly still operating," Pelare expressed to reporters, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in ferreting out clandestine POGO hubs. The legal constraints surrounding the acquisition of search warrants pose a significant hurdle, requiring concrete evidence to substantiate suspicions in the face of sophisticated concealment tactics employed by perpetrators.
Amidst these complexities, Central Visayas police are intensifying surveillance efforts across the region in collaboration with local authorities and enforcement agencies to stem the proliferation of POGOs nationwide. The strategic coordination aims to fortify defenses against the insidious spread of illegal gambling activities that threaten community well-being.
When queried about potential partnerships with telecommunication agencies to flag suspicious internet requests, Pelare indicated a willingness to explore such collaborations. Additionally, Pelare affirmed that the apprehended Chinese nationals would face legal repercussions for violating the Alien Registration Act of 1950, underscoring the commitment to upholding the rule of law in combating transnational illegal activities.
As investigations unfold at the resort housing the unauthorized foreign nationals and their illicit operations, the vigilant efforts of law enforcement underscore the resolve to safeguard communities against the detrimental impacts of underground POGO activities. Through sustained vigilance and strategic partnerships, authorities strive to dismantle these illicit networks and uphold the integrity of the legal framework governing such operations. Majaits.com
38 foreign nationals without proper documentation apprehended at a resort in Cebu
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| In a recent development at the Happy Bear Villa in Moalboal town, Southern Cebu, law enforcement discovered 38 foreign nationals lacking proper documentation, believed to be involved in a suspected scamming operation on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Happy Bear Villa's official Facebook Page in Moalboal, Cebu |