Narayan AmmachchiSmaller business process outsourcing (BPO) firms in the Philippines are coming under increased scrutiny as authorities investigate whether some are secretly operating as offshore gaming hubs.
The renewed focus follows a recent police raid in Taguig City that exposed an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) disguised as a BPO office.
During the operation, police arrested 17 foreign nationals — 12 Chinese, four Malaysians, and one Vietnamese. Investigators also rescued 83 Filipino workers who said they had been misled into believing they were hired for legitimate technology roles.
POGOs, largely run by Chinese nationals, were once widespread in the Philippines, generating thousands of jobs and occupying major office spaces between 2016 and 2019. However, the sector became increasingly linked to human trafficking, torture, money laundering, online fraud, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally banned POGOs in October, citing their involvement in organized criminal activities. Law enforcement agencies now warn that despite the nationwide ban, several operators may be attempting to resume operations by posing as BPO companies.
Government crackdowns began intensifying in 2022 amid rising crime connected to the sector. Before the full phaseout, the country had nearly 500 licensed POGOs in early 2024. The Anti-POGO Act of 2025 has since enforced a total prohibition, prompting police to tighten monitoring of firms suspected of serving as fronts for illegal gaming operations.
Add comment