DAVAO CITY – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has dismantled an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) hub in Davao City and arrested eight Chinese nationals, while also rescuing three women in a separate human trafficking case.
Acting on the directive of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) to stamp out all remaining illegal POGOs and their criminal networks, agents from the NBI–Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO XI) raided a residential property on Gardenia Street, Montclair Highlands Subdivision, Buhangin, Davao City, on August 12, 2025. The operation was initiated after a homeowner reported suspicious activities inside the property.
Following surveillance and verification, agents confirmed that the house was being used as a POGO hub. Arrested during the raid were eight Chinese citizens—six men and two women. Authorities seized personal computers and multiple mobile phones used in the illicit gaming operation.
The suspects are now in NBI custody and face charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 1602 (Anti-Illegal Gambling Act), Republic Act No. 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act), and Republic Act No. 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act). Forensic examination of the seized devices will be conducted to uncover the broader network and trace the financial transactions involved.
According to the NBI, illegal POGO operators have recently shifted tactics—splitting into smaller groups and relocating into residential areas to evade detection amid the nationwide crackdown. Santiago urged communities to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities that may be linked to such operations, which are often associated with money laundering, cybercrime, and human trafficking.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, NBI agents at Francisco Bangoy International Airport rescued three women believed to be victims of human trafficking. The women were allegedly recruited by individuals known as “Lalang” and “Yolly” for supposed jobs as entertainers in Singapore.
They were set to board a Scoot Airlines flight to Singapore but were offloaded due to incomplete or improper travel documents. Authorities are pursuing charges against their recruiters.
“These two operations underscore the NBI’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country from criminal activities that exploit vulnerable individuals and undermine our national security, economy, and moral fabric,” Santiago said.