OPERATIVES of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)–Mandaue City Field Unit arrested nine Chinese nationals operating a scam hub, also identified as a Pogo (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator), in a subdivision in Barangay Alang-Alang, Mandaue City.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jerick Filosofo of CIDG 7 said they received a complaint from a 23-year-old Filipina worker of the scam hub who claimed that they were being detained inside the house within the subdivision.
The complainant said they were forced to work against their will and were not allowed to leave the house where they were employed.
In response, CIDG 7 immediately launched an operation dubbed "Oplan Olea" for a case of human trafficking, in coordination with the Mandaue City Police Office, Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7 (RACU), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development 7, around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
When authorities entered the house, five of the Chinese nationals attempted to escape by jumping out of the second-floor windows.
One of them suffered a broken leg and arm and is now confined at a private hospital in Cebu City, while the other four are in the custody of CIDG 7.
Filosofo said it has been difficult to gather details from the Chinese nationals because they have been uncooperative during the investigation.
He said the identification cards (IDs) they presented bore Filipino names, and no documents such as passports were recovered, which are believed to be hidden in the scam hub’s office vaults.
Because of this, CIDG will coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration to verify the identities of the foreigners and file human trafficking charges.
Currently in the custody of CIDG and RACU 7 are 40 cellphones, one tablet, and 12 computer sets, which will undergo forensic examination.
However, Filosofo clarified that they will first apply for a court-issued search warrant before the devices can be examined to determine the exact nature of the scam being operated by the foreigners.
“Sa nakita naming, it’s a scam hub, kasi may mga presence ng computers, digital equipment, so sa assessment naming, it’s a scam hub pero we will request the assistance from the ACG to verify that kasi ipapa-forensic din namin yung mga equipment,” said Filosofo.
(From what we saw, it appears to be a scam hub due to the presence of computers and digital equipment. That’s our assessment, but we will request assistance from the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to verify it through forensic analysis.)
CIDG is preparing to file initial charges of human trafficking, with additional charges to follow after the forensic investigation of the confiscated gadgets and computer equipment.
It acknowledged that identifying scam hubs or Pogo operations remains a major challenge, as operators frequently relocate and choose to set up inside subdivisions to avoid detection.
Because of this, police are appealing to the public: if there are suspicious movements involving Chinese nationals or other foreigners in your area, report them immediately to CIDG for swift action. (AYB)