Hackers and scammers previously employed by illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have allegedly begun targeting the personal accounts of media practitioners actively covering the government’s crackdown on these operations.
This was disclosed by Deng Pangilinan, regional president of the Central Luzon Media Association, after receiving reports from fellow journalists who experienced attempts to breach their personal and media network accounts.
The incidents occurred following a series of raids on illegal POGO operations in Bamban, Tarlac, and the POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. According to Pangilinan, hackers have been trying to infiltrate the accounts of media personnel who have been closely following and reporting on the raids.
“These attacks appear to be a form of retaliation for the media’s continued coverage of illegal POGO operations,” Pangilinan said.
Since the raids began, iOrbitNews Online has consistently covered developments surrounding the illegal activities linked to POGOs in Central Luzon. The news outlet has also been documenting the efforts of law enforcement agencies that eventually led to the capture of key individuals behind the operations.
The media association president urged journalists to remain vigilant, stressing the importance of securing their accounts and networks amid threats from hackers with ties to illegal POGOs. Pangilinan called on the public and relevant authorities to support media practitioners in their pursuit of transparency and accountability in the fight against illegal gambling.