THE determined fight against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators continues, with law enforcement making yet another decisive strike.
On March 19, 2025, a joint operation by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission led to the arrest of 131 individuals, including 96 foreign nationals at Flying Future Services, Inc. in Makati City.
Despite President Bongbong Marcos’ directive banning all POGO operations, underground gambling syndicates continue to defy the law —but under the leadership of Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, CIDG Director PMGen. Nicolas Torre III and PAOCC head ret. Gen. Gilbert Cruz, authorities are proving that no one is beyond their reach.
This operation, executed at Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, initially began as a simple warrant of arrest for robbery. However, in a fortunate turn of events, a foreign national on-site tipped off authorities about illegal gambling activities within the company.
Acting swiftly, the CIDG-PAOCC team verified the information and confirmed the presence of an illegal online casino operation involving both Filipino and foreign nationals.
Their quick response and coordination turned what started as an isolated arrest into a full-scale crackdown, demonstrating the efficiency and sharp instincts of our law enforcement agencies.
More than just another raid, this operation dismantled a major criminal network, according to Marbil.
Among those arrested were Guge, Layson and Younger, identified as leaders of Intech World Company, Omniach Company, and Urban Ideas—sub-companies operating under Flying Future Services, Inc.
While the company was registered as a software development firm, it was in reality a front for a highly organized illegal POGO operation, said Torre.
With electronic devices, documents, and other pieces of evidence seized, law enforcement has not only shut down this operation but also struck a blow against international syndicates operating within the country, the CIDG chief emphasized.
The unyielding commitment of CIDG and PAOCC is commendable. Their continued crackdown sends a clear and powerful message: the government will not tolerate the persistence of illegal POGOs, human trafficking, and cybercrime.
With each successful raid, authorities are proving that criminal syndicates have nowhere to hide.
