POGO hubs used to spy?

CEBU, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is prepared to investigate the possibility that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs are being used by Chinese nationals for espionage.

This was disclosed yesterday by NBI Director Jaime Santiago in a press conference at the NBI-Central Visayas Regional Office (CEVRO), adding that they are open to looking into the matter.

“Titingnan natin ’yan,” Santiago said.

In fact, he confirmed that the NBI is already investigating whether the POGO hub that was raided in Lapu-Lapu City last September 2024 was used by Chinese nationals to spy on military activities in Cebu.

The investigation remains ongoing, particularly given the hub’s proximity to the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen).

Santiago said they cannot disclose their specific methods as the investigation is still in progress. However, he has been informed that NBI-CEVRO, led by Regional Director Rennan Augustus Oliva, is actively working on the case.

“Meron kaming mga operations. Nag-report na sa akin si RD regarding that matter, but confidential muna,” Santiago said.

Additionally, Santiago revealed that the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) has tapped their office for assistance following the reported discovery of unidentified floating equipment in Bohol last month.

According to reports, the Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea said that at least five submersible drones have been discovered in various parts of the country over the past year.

Aside from Bohol, an underwater drone found in the waters off San Pascual town in Masbate on December 30 is believed to be of Chinese origin, based on an investigation by the Philippine National Police.

“So nakikipag-ugnayan kami sa kanila, and makikita niyo marami na tayong nahuhuli,” Santiago said.

Pogo hub monitoring continues

Regarding POGO hubs, Santiago assured the public that the NBI remains committed to investigating these establishments, particularly in Cebu.

“Hindi natutulog ang ating mga active offices and operatives para manmanan lahat ng bagay na ito, para maging safe ang inyong bayan, lalo na dito sa Cebu,” he said.

Although Santiago did not mention other monitored POGO hubs in Central Visayas, he assured that the NBI continues to track individuals and locations involved in illegal operations.

Santiago also emphasized that all POGOs operating in the country are illegal, as their licenses have been revoked by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In the President's State of the Nation Address last July 2024, he announced the immediate ban of POGO operations, and ordered that effective December 31, 2024, no POGO hubs should be operating nationwide.

“So si RD hindi nagkukulang ng pagmamanman. Kung sino man o saan man may POGO operations pa rin, they will go after,” Santiago said.

Apart from the POGO hub in Lapu-Lapu City, another POGO hub was raided in Moalboal town last year.

Following these discoveries, NBI-CEVRO also monitored at least four other POGO-like activities in the region last year. (CEBU NEWS)