Philippine Senator says POGO syndicates exploiting fake papers may have gov’t links

February 10, 2025

Philippine Senator says POGO syndicates exploiting fake papers may have gov’t links

Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned that criminal syndicates, including those of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), may have infiltrated the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Local media reported that the Senator called for stricter measures to prevent the issuance of fraudulent documents and greater penalties for civil registrars involved in illegal registrations.

Gatchalian has proposed a bill to expand the PSA’s authority and urged law enforcement agencies to dismantle networks enabling illegal POGO operations. He stressed that without urgent action, government institutions could continue to be exploited by criminal groups.

The recent raid on a travel and consultancy company involved in issuing “questionable but genuine” Philippine government documents strengthens our suspicion that criminal syndicates may have infiltrated government agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority, Bureau of… pic.twitter.com/OcwPLfVjIk
— Win Gatchalian (@WinGatchalian74) February 8, 2025

Government agencies may be compromised

Gatchalian’s statement comes after a recent raid on a travel and consultancy firm in Manila exposed a scheme that allegedly allowed POGOs to obtain fraudulent government documents, raising concerns about possible syndicate infiltration in key agencies. During the raid, Philippine authorities discovered fake birth and marriage certificates, along with a passport featuring a foreign national’s photo but a Filipino name.

Last week, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) identified the firm as a crucial link in ongoing investigations into POGO-related crimes. Officials believe the company assisted foreign nationals in securing legitimate-looking government documents, allowing them to stay in the country despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down all POGO operations by the end of 2024.

POGO-linked extortion scheme uncovered

The raid also revealed cases of extortion linked to POGO activities. Reports indicate that individuals paid large sums to the travel agency to secure the release of detained partners. One complainant claimed to have paid PHP900,000 (€15,000) to free her fiancé, while another allegedly spent PHP1.1 million (€18,343) for her husband’s release after a POGO raid in Parañaque City.

PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz stated that the firm played a key role in the Senate’s investigation into POGOs, helping operators obtain official documents despite the ongoing crackdown. He also revealed that agency personnel impersonated PAOCC officials to extort money, although no actual PAOCC officers were involved.

Authorities investigating potential government collusion

Local authorities are now investigating whether government employees facilitated the illegal issuance of documents. Investigators suspect that syndicates operating within government offices may be providing foreign nationals with forged papers, allowing them to evade immigration controls.

Last week, the NBI said it is probing whether POGO hubs are being used for espionage by Chinese nationals. Authorities have not disclosed specific details of the investigation, but NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that regional offices are actively gathering intelligence. He added that the agency also works with the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) to assess potential security threats.