04/11/2024
PNP CHIEF COMMENDS PNP-ACG FOR SHUTTING DOWN 'MOTHER OF ALL SCAM HUBS'; VOWS TO END ALL ILLEGAL POGOS IN TWO MONTHS
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil on Sunday lauded the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), led by MGen. Ronnie Cariaga, for its recent successful operation that dismantled the so-called “Mother of All Scam Hubs” at Century Peak Tower in Manila.
In a statement made on Sunday, Gen. Marbil emphasized the PNP’s commitment to intensifying its campaign, in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), to eradicate all illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) within the next two months.
“This operation is a testament to the dedication of our PNP-ACG personnel, whose relentless pursuit of justice has exposed and disrupted a significant hub of criminal activity linked to online scams, illegal gambling, and human trafficking,” Marbil stated.
“We have two months to go to clear the country of these illegal POGOs,” he pointed out.
The operation received strong support from Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, who expressed her appreciation for the PNP’s success and praised their unwavering commitment to public safety and the rule of law. Mayor Lacuna acknowledged the PNP’s swift and decisive action as a vital step in safeguarding Manila’s communities from illegal activities linked to cybercrime, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
Gen. Marbil welcomed the local chief executive’s pledge of full support for continued efforts to shut down all illegal POGO-related activities throughout the city.
The raid on Century Peak Tower, based on validated intelligence, highlights the PNP’s robust capabilities in combating cybercrime and dismantling illegal operations. The 40-story building on Adriatico Street had reportedly become a central hub for various POGO operations, harboring hundreds of individuals involved in illicit activities, including 69 foreign nationals.
Gen. Marbil noted that the operation, which was conducted in coordination with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) led by MGen. Sidney Hernia and other PNP units, serves as a powerful demonstration of the PNP-ACG’s expertise and commitment to effective law enforcement.
The PNP Chief clarified that operations targeting cybercrimes are executed exclusively by the PNP and the NBI, as these agencies possess the specialized skills necessary to address such offenses. He reiterated the PNP’s unwavering commitment to file charges against all individuals involved, including the facility’s owner, as forensic analysis of the evidence continues.
“This operation not only exposes the vast reach of illegal POGO activities but also reinforces the unwavering resolve of law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks, uphold public safety, and preserve the rule of law in every sector of cyber enforcement,” stressed Marbil.
