During Heavy Rain, a Chinese POGO Worker Attempts to Escape
MISSION FAILED – A Chinese POGO worker in the custody of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) attempted to escape from the detention facility during a heavy downpour.
The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), now renamed Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL) as of October 2023, are firms that provide online gambling services to international markets, with a significant focus on Chinese customers. Regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), POGOs were initially seen as a revenue-boosting industry. They grew rapidly, particularly from 2016 during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, but faced increasing controversy and scrutiny.
In recent years, POGOs generated substantial revenue for the government through license fees and taxes. However, they also encountered significant issues. Many operators were involved in criminal activities, such as illegal gambling, human trafficking, and money laundering. This led to a range of problems, including an influx of foreign workers, security concerns, and a strain on local resources. The industry also sparked diplomatic tensions with China, which opposed the operations due to their impact on Chinese citizens and illegal gambling issues.
Despite their economic contributions, POGOs faced growing backlash due to their involvement in serious crimes, tax evasion, and questionable business practices. Reports of illegal operations, poor regulatory oversight, and negative impacts on local communities exacerbated the situation. In response to these issues, President Bongbong Marcos announced a ban on POGOs in July 2024 during his State of the Nation Address, culminating in a significant crackdown on the industry.
Meanwhile, a Chinese POGO worker in the custody of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) attempted to escape from the detention facility during a heavy downpour.
According to reports, the detainee lost a shoe while trying to flee, which led guards to immediately review CCTV footage and apprehend him. The CCTV footage also showed the worker on the roof despite the heavy rain. PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz reported that the worker was injured after climbing to the roof on the 6th floor and falling to the 5th floor. The Chinese national was among those captured during a raid on a POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac.