THE National Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-Semro) conducted its second raid on an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) in the Davao Region, arresting eight Chinese nationals in an exclusive subdivision in Buhangin, Davao City, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
NBI-Semro Director lawyer Arcelito Albao confirmed during the Davao Security Press Corps, Wednesday, August 13, that the operation was launched after a homeowner reported suspicious activities at a residence on Gardenia Street, Montclair Highlands. Surveillance confirmed the presence of illegal online gambling operations.
He added that during the operation, the authorities were able to seize desktop computers, laptops, and mobile phones allegedly used in the scheme. The suspects are now in the NBI’s custody.
In December 2024, regional intelligence agents dismantled a large-scale Pogo operation in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. The raid targeted a 1.5-hectare agricultural warehouse in New Malitbog, Barangay Manay, leading to the arrest of 59 Chinese nationals and one Filipino. Investigators later found the facility was being used as a scam hub that had allegedly been operating for over four months.
According to Panabo City Mayor Jose Relampagos, the operators had initially secured clearance to construct a warehouse for plastic products. However, the raid revealed the site was being used for illegal online gaming activities.
As of presstime, Albao said all suspects are in NBI custody and awaiting the filing of charges for illegal online gambling in violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Under Executive Order 74 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., all Pogo operations in the Philippines are mandated to shut down by December 31, 2024, effectively imposing a nationwide ban on offshore and internet-based gambling. DEF