Davao City Pogo Raid Exposes Persistent Illegal Gambling

Davao City Pogo Raid Exposes Persistent Illegal Gambling

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | August 15, 2025

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s nationwide ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), authorities continue to grapple with the industry’s presence.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested eight Chinese nationals on Tuesday (Aug. 12, 2025) at a Pogo site operating within a subdivision, highlighting the industry’s evolving tactics to evade detection.

The operation, conducted at a residence on Gardenia Street in Montclair Highlands Subdivision, underscores a growing concern: Pogos are relocating to less conspicuous locations, fragmenting into smaller groups, and infiltrating residential neighborhoods.

The shift in Pogo operations was noted by the NBI, the agency tasked with leading the enforcement of Executive Order 74, Marcos’ directive to completely eradicate Pogos.

The arrested individuals—six men and two women—are now facing charges of violations of the Anti-Illegal Gambling Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The raid was triggered by a complaint from a local resident who reported suspicious activity in the neighborhood.

Subsequent surveillance by law enforcers confirmed the presence of the illegal Pogo operation.

Authorities seized ten personal computers and mobile devices from the site.

Digital examination of the seized items is expected to uncover a broader network of individuals involved in the illegal online gaming operation.

“These (Pogo) operators are becoming more sophisticated in their efforts to avoid detection,” an NBI official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

“They are fragmenting their operations and blending into residential areas, making community vigilance and prompt reporting crucial.”

During his State of the Nation Address, the President reiterated his commitment to eliminating Pogos, citing the surge in criminal activities associated with illegal online gambling firms.