THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has ordered all district directors, chiefs of police, and unit commanders across Metro Manila to adopt an aggressive, intelligence-led posture to prevent illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities, online scams, and other cyber-enabled crimes from infiltrating local communities and commercial districts.
The directive aligns with the mandate issued by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., instructing police commanders nationwide to intensify surveillance against the revival of illegal POGOs and digital fraud networks.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano instructed regional units to locate and verify suspicious venues that could serve as concealed or “guerrilla-style” hubs for illegal online gambling and cyber offenses.
Operating units are also directed to collaborate closely with specialized law enforcement divisions, including the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
“We will not wait for these criminal groups to become established before we act,” PBGen. Abrahano stated.
“Our police units must strengthen their intelligence networks, identify emerging threats, and act promptly on validated information, always within the bounds of law and due process,” added Abrahano.
Beyond clamping down on illegal gaming hubs, the regional police force is heightening monitoring against evolving digital threats, such as deceptive “love scams” and other schemes exploiting online platforms to defraud victims.
“Criminal networks may change their tactics, but our commitment to protecting the people of Metro Manila will remain constant,” PBGen. Abrahano emphasized.
Furthermore, the NCRPO appealed to property owners, business establishments, and community leaders to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities linked to cyber-fraud or illegal gambling operations.
“Public safety does not stop at the physical streets of Metro Manila. It extends to the digital space. We will remain vigilant in both,” the NCRPO chief concluded.
