MANILAudbet, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) plans to file charges against 60 people arrested at a suspected illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Barangay Manay, Panabo, Davao del Norte.
The group includes 56 Chinese nationals, three Malaysians and a Filipina.
NBI Davao director Archie Albao on Saturday said that the agency is currently assessing the cases to determine the specific charges to be filed.
The Filipino owner of the warehouse, which was repurposed into a POGO hub, will also be summoned to explain the use of the property for illegal activities.
The NBI said the POGO operation was relocated from Luzon to Davao del Norte about three months ago following crackdowns on similar establishments in Metro Manila and central Luzon.
Albao suggested that local officials might have been involved in protecting the operation.
“Initial information indicates that there are government officials protecting this operation, so we are investigating,” Albao said.
He also revealed that two individuals posing as NBI agents were involved in facilitating the operation and securing the location.udbet