PNP hunts ‘guerrilla-style’ scam hubs

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is tracking down scam hubs, which have reportedly shifted to “guerrilla-style” operations after the government shut down Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities are validating intelligence information that some scam hubs have dispersed into smaller and less visible networks to evade detection.

The PNP’s move followed warnings from former House quad committee chairman Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who said suspected POGOs continue to operate in low-profile setups.

Barbers identified Baclaran, Binondo and Parañaque in Metro Manila as well as Palawan and Cebu as areas where POGOs continue to operate.

Nartatez said the PNP is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence sharing and enforcement efforts against scam hubs.

He also urged the public to report information about illegal scam operations to authorities.