PNP hunts down Muntinlupa scam suspects

The Philippine National Police ordered a follow-up operation to locate and arrest alleged masterminds and financiers behind an underground scam hub in Muntinlupa City.

The investigation stemmed from the June 15 arrest of an alleged Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) operator in Muntinlupa City, which subsequently led to the discovery of the suspected scam facility.

Earlier, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said the arrest was made at the alleged Pogo operator’s home in Ayala Alabang Village.

During the arrest, authorities found an active offshore gambling operation being run by 12 individuals, consisting of nine men and three women.

In a statement on Sunday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed a deeper probe into the identities of those behind the illegal scam hub activity. He emphasized that operations would go beyond raid efforts, prioritizing “tracking down the syndicate’s top-tier leadership.”

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Authorities said the scam hub was reportedly running multiple fraudulent websites. In April, government agencies signed implementing guidelines aimed at permanently shutting down Pogos and preventing them from resurfacing in any other form.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto led the signing of the “Inter-Agency Standard Operating Procedures” to implement Executive Order No. 74, which President Marcos issued on Nov. 4, 2024, prohibiting all Pogos and internet gaming licensees. Police investigators are now mapping out the group’s command structure and digital footprint.