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Philippines Tightens POGO Crackdown as Illegal Scam Hubs Move Into Smaller Sites

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Altay Celikkaya

Content Manager

Updated: 23/10/26

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Philippines is stepping up its crackdown on illegal offshore gambling-linked scam centres as authorities warn that criminal networks are moving into smaller, less visible locations despite the nationwide POGO ban.

According to an official government statement published on 23 October, operators increasingly use rented houses that accommodate just 10 to 20 people, rather than large compounds housing thousands of workers.

The shift is prompting authorities to strengthen surveillance and regional cooperation.

Philippine flag alongside government agency logos highlighting efforts against illegal POGO operations.

Regulation & Compliance

Key Takeaways From the Philippines' Latest POGO Crackdown

Philippine authorities have identified smaller scam hubs operating from rented properties despite the nationwide offshore gambling ban.
Some suspected operations involve groups of 10 to 20 people rather than the large facilities previously associated with POGOs.
Enforcement agencies are examining electricity consumption, internet usage and suspicious movements to identify potential illegal sites.
Officials have raised concerns about the possible resurgence of POGO-linked networks, although operations remain smaller than before.
The government is coordinating with Southeast Asian countries to address cross-border scam activities.

Illegal POGO Operations Shift to Smaller Locations

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said criminal networks are adapting their operations to avoid detection.

Instead of operating from large facilities, some groups now use smaller properties that are more difficult for authorities to identify.

The changes follow the government’s unified POGO enforcement framework, introduced earlier this year to coordinate action against prohibited offshore gaming activities.

Remulla said:

Micro [hubs] are not confined here in the Philippines. It is all over Southeast Asia.

Authorities are now using additional monitoring methods, including electricity and internet consumption patterns, alongside conventional intelligence gathering.

Recent Raids Highlight Continuing Enforcement Challenges

The latest warning follows a series of operations targeting suspected illegal gambling and scam facilities. Earlier this month, authorities apprehended 244 foreign nationals during raids in Zamboanga Sibugay, marking one of the country’s largest POGO-related enforcement actions in 2026.

On 22 October, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty acknowledged the possibility of a resurgence in small-scale scam operations. However, he stressed that the facilities currently being discovered are smaller than those operating before the nationwide ban. The government is also reviewing whether individuals involved in illegal activities have exploited visa-free entry arrangements.

Philippines Strengthens Regional Cooperation Against Scam Networks

The crackdown extends beyond domestic enforcement as authorities recognise the cross-border nature of online scam operations. The DILG is working with ASEAN member states and regional partners to improve intelligence sharing and coordinate responses to transnational criminal networks.

The approach builds on previous efforts to strengthen illegal gambling enforcement and B2B oversight. For gambling operators and technology suppliers, the developments highlight the importance of distinguishing authorised domestic gaming activities from prohibited offshore operations.

Although the government’s POGO ban remains in place, the emergence of smaller scam hubs suggests enforcement challenges are continuing. Authorities have not announced a new licensing framework or changes to the existing prohibition.