CAMP CRAME, Quezon City — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed police units nationwide to strengthen collaboration with local government units (LGUs) to track down underground offshore gaming operations following a recent raid in Makati City.
The directive seeks to prevent banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) from secretly operating or resurfacing in local communities.
Nartatez emphasized that grassroots involvement, particularly at the barangay level, is essential for monitoring suspicious foreign nationals and business establishments that could serve as fronts for illicit activities.
“As we remain steadfast in the fight against key players of POGOs, we in the PNP believes that the goal of eradicating this illegal activity requires strong coordination and partnership with the LGUs,” Nartatez said.
The police initiative is consistent with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s directive urging LGUs to intensify business permit inspections.
Nartatez noted that regular intelligence sharing and on-the-ground engagement between local commanders and municipal officials are critical, especially as underground operators increasingly disguise their activities behind legitimate commercial fronts to evade the nationwide ban.
In connection with ongoing operations, Nartatez instructed investigators and forensic specialists to expedite the analysis of electronic devices recovered during a raid conducted in Makati City from October 15 to 16. The seized hardware—comprising computers, laptops, mobile phones, and storage drives—came from an operation that resulted in five arrests, while three other suspects remain at large.
Authorities expect the digital forensic examination to uncover crucial leads connecting other individuals and syndicates to clandestine offshore gaming networks.
“This operation demonstrates that the PNP remains steadfast in enforcing the law against prohibited activities, regardless of the methods used to conceal them. We will pursue every lead, follow the evidence, and hold accountable those found responsible through lawful and intelligence-driven police operations,” Nartatez stated.
He further mandated that all evidence extraction adhere strictly to judicial warrants and standard forensic protocols.
“Technology must never be used as a shield for illegal activities, and no individual or business is beyond the reach of the law. We will act firmly on credible evidence, but every operation will remain grounded in due process, respect for constitutional rights, and the principle that accountability must be established through the law,” Nartatez concluded.