ILIGAN CITY, Philippines — Police arrested 13 individuals and confiscated equipment estimated to be worth ₱12 million during a joint law enforcement operation targeting an alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related operation in Barangay Hinaplanon, Iligan City, early Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The operation was carried out at an information technology (IT) company following the implementation of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) No. 26-04, issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 4, in Iligan City, on October 28.
According to the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10), the arrested individuals consisted of two alleged studio managers and 11 female online demonstration dealers. The establishment’s owner remains at large as authorities continue to pursue the case through the appropriate legal channels.
Computers, gaming equipment worth ₱12 million seized
During the search, authorities recovered various equipment and materials from four rooms inside the establishment. The seized items included computer processing units, monitors, cameras, recording devices, tablets, card scanners, gaming tables, card decks, lighting equipment, and other accessories reportedly used in the operation.
The combined estimated value of the confiscated equipment reached ₱12 million.
The nature and volume of the recovered equipment are now part of the investigation into the establishment’s alleged activities. However, the specific functions of the seized devices, the precise nature of the online operations, and the extent of each individual’s involvement will need to be established through further investigation and the judicial process.
Authorities linked the operation to an alleged violation of Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025.
The allegations have yet to be resolved in court. The arrests and confiscation of equipment do not, by themselves, establish the guilt of the individuals involved.
Multi-agency operation targets alleged illegal activity
The operation was led by the Iligan City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC), with support from several law enforcement and investigative agencies.
Participating units included the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Regional Intelligence Division 10 (RID 10), Regional Intelligence Unit 10 (RIU 10), Police Station 1 of the Iligan City Police Office (PS1-ICPO), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Iligan, 1005th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10 (RACU 10), National Bureau of Investigation–Iligan, and the City Intelligence Unit of the Iligan City Police Office.
The coordinated deployment of police, intelligence, anti-cybercrime, and investigative personnel highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in investigating suspected illegal online operations and gathering evidence for potential prosecution.
The implementation of the court-issued warrant also provides the legal basis identified by authorities for searching the premises and examining computer data relevant to the investigation.
Arrested individuals placed under police custody
PRO 10 said the 13 arrested individuals were placed under the custody of Police Station 1 of the Iligan City Police Office for documentation and proper disposition.
The case is proceeding through the appropriate legal process. Authorities have not identified the establishment’s owner in the information provided, and the circumstances surrounding the owner’s continued absence remain unclear.
Further investigation is expected to establish the alleged operation’s organizational structure, the responsibilities of the individuals involved, and the evidentiary links between the seized equipment and any prohibited activities.
PRO 10 vows continued enforcement against illegal POGO-related operations
Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr. reaffirmed the regional police command’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations against illegal activities, emphasizing coordinated action among law enforcement agencies.
“We will continue to enforce the law firmly and professionally against illegal activities, including those prohibited under the Anti-POGO Act. This operation reflects the importance of intelligence-driven policing and close coordination among our law enforcement partners,” Babagay said.
He added that the operation supports the Focused Agenda of the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), anchored on the campaign, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
Investigation must establish accountability
The arrest of 13 individuals and the seizure of equipment valued at ₱12 million mark a significant law enforcement action against an operation suspected of violating the country’s anti-POGO law. Nevertheless, the ultimate outcome will depend on the quality of the evidence, the proper handling of the seized computer data, and the ability of investigators and prosecutors to establish the elements of the alleged offense.
Authorities must also ensure that every arrested person is afforded due process and that any criminal liability is determined by a competent court. At the same time, investigators should pursue the establishment’s owner and determine who organized, financed, managed, and benefited from the alleged operation, if supported by evidence.
The case will test whether the coordinated operation can lead not only to arrests and equipment seizures but also to a legally sustainable investigation that identifies those responsible for any proven violations.
The 13 individuals remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until their guilt is established in court.