4 POGO-like hubs monitored

CEBU, Philippines —  After uncovering two alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs in Lapu-Lapu City and Moalboal Cebu, the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-CEVRO) is now on the move to verify at least four POGO-like activities in the region.

NBI-CEVRO Regional Director Rennan Augustus Oliva did not disclose the exact locations as to the four suspected POGO-like activities, but he mentioned that they fall under the jurisdiction of Cebu Province and Cebu City.

“Once ma-verify namo na they are engaged in POGO activities i-operate namo the way we did sa Agus, (Lapu-Lapu City) it will be a multi-agency approach,” said Oliva.

He noted that after the crackdown of two POGO hubs in Cebu, they received numerous reports on POGO-like activities, which is why they are proceeding in verifying them carefully.

Oliva admitted that it is not easy to verify because the areas are often secured, so they have to monitor regularly and proactively.

Similar to what NBI director Jaime Santiago emphasized, POGO operations are now forming smaller groups and setting up in residential areas in order to evade authorities.

As to the alleged POGO hub in Moalboal, the operatives of NBI-CEVRO are still waiting to the Bureau of Immigrations on the documents determining the nationalities of the people found there.

According to Oliva, he had talked to Moalboal Mayor Inocentes "Titing" G. Cabaron, who stated that 38 individuals rescued were probably Chinese nationals.

To recall, last Oct. 9, undocumented foreign nationals believed to be all Chinese were arrested at a vacation rental property in Brgy. Saavedra, Moalboal, Cebu.

Authorities tried to talk with the foreign individuals but no one among them could speak in English making it difficult to identify their nationalities. They were also unable to present necessary documents, such as their passports.

The Moalboal police operation led to the confiscation of around 200 mobile phones, at least 34 sets of computers, and four laptop units.

 On the other hand, NBI Cebu District Office (NBI-CEBDO) last Wednesday, Oct. 23 executed a search warrant and re-entered the premises of Tourist Garden Hotel in Agus.

The search was focused on the office and room of Chinese Zhao Shou Qi, where they recovered company documents, business papers, seven steel vaults, and computers.

 Following that, Oliva emphasized that the operation is in coordination with Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), which means that the seized evidence will be used to support additional cases that would be filed against Zhao. (CEBU NEWS)