MANILA, Philippines – A Senate committee has recommended the total ban of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) following an investigation into scam hubs linked to human trafficking and other crimes. The committee report, sponsored on Tuesday, February 6, details how POGOs infiltrated the country through illicit schemes and corruption.
Among the key recommendations is the filing of criminal cases against public officials allegedly involved in protecting POGO operations, including Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Lisandro Calugay and members of his staff. Authorities are urged to hold accountable those who enabled Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, amid allegations of illegal activities.
The report also calls for charges against Yang Jianxin, alias Tony Yang, over fraudulent Filipino identity documents. It recommends further investigation into potential intelligence activities involving Michael Yang, Tony Yang, and Hongjiang Yang for a foreign state.
Senators also pushed for the prosecution of individuals apprehended in POGO-related raids since July 2024 under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, citing economic sabotage. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is urged to continue engaging Thai authorities to extract more information from She Zhijiang, a key figure linked to Guo’s alleged espionage and foreign influence operations.
The executive branch is also asked to clarify a provision in Executive Order No. 74, which excludes certain online gambling operations from regulation. This is seen as a potential loophole that could be exploited by offshore gaming entities.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is directed to report on reforms addressing the escape of Guo and the alleged involvement of BI personnel in human trafficking activities. Lawmakers highlighted the need for stronger border controls to prevent POGO-linked trafficking operations.
To tighten immigration processes, the report suggests streamlining visa issuance and creating a centralized database similar to the U.S. Homeland Security system. This would enable authorities to track visa history and assess security risks more effectively.
The most urgent recommendation, however, is for Congress to pass a law banning offshore gaming entirely, with harsh penalties for public officials who facilitate POGO operations. The committee stressed that the ban should be comprehensive, covering online games of chance in casinos and integrated resorts, to prevent any form of illicit gambling from taking root in the country.