NBI dismantles illegal POGO hub in Davao City, arrests eight foreigners

Davao City- Acting on the instructions of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) to pursue and dismantle all remaining Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) in the country and the criminal networks exploiting them, the NBI-Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) successfully shut down an illegal POGO hub operating from a residential property in Davao City.

The operation, conducted on August 12, 2025, was initiated after a homeowner complained about suspicious activities inside a residential property on Gardenia Street, Montclair Highlands Subdivision, Buhangin, Davao City. After surveillance and verification, Agents confirmed the presence of POGO operations on the said property.

During the operation, eight ( Chinese nationals were arrested. Seized from the site were personal computers and multiple mobile phones, all utilized to facilitate the prohibited gaming operations.

NBI-SEMRO discovered that an emerging pattern in illegal POGO activities includes operators splitting into smaller groups and moving into residential areas to avoid detection following the nationwide crackdown. This strategic shift underscores the need for constant community vigilance and rapid law enforcement response.

The arrested Chinese nationals are now in NBI custody and will be charged under the applicable provisions of Philippine law. Seized devices will undergo forensic examination to trace digital evidence, and uncover the broader network and financial trail of the operation.

This operation demonstrates the NBI’s sustained campaign against offshore gaming schemes that undermine the nation’s security, economy and moral fabric, as directed by NBI Director Santiago. The NBI urges the public to report suspicious activities in their communities to help stop illegal offshore gaming operations and the crimes that often accompany them, including money laundering, cybercrime, and human trafficking.