Recently, an anonymous warning circulated among POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) practitioners in the Pasay area of the Philippines, claiming that the police will launch a large-scale raid on the industry before Christmas to increase revenue, while revealing that the government plans to resume some POGO operations next year. The warning was issued by members of the "EFAS team," advising practitioners to work from home to avoid being checked in the office. Although the authenticity of the message has not been officially confirmed, Manila and the Pasay area have indeed experienced several night raids targeting telecom fraud dens and residual POGO businesses recently, causing industry panic. Industry insiders said that some small POGO teams still in operation have begun to move locations or suspend business to avoid becoming raid targets.
Anonymous Warning and Core Content
An anonymous warning circulated among POGO practitioners in the Pasay area of the Philippines, claiming that the police plan to carry out a large-scale raid before Christmas. The warning specifically states that "POGO employees in Pasay are the targets of this raid," and claims that the purpose of the action is to "increase revenue" before the holiday.
The source of the message claims to be a member of the "EFAS team," reminding colleagues that "spending Christmas in jail is not pleasant," and suggests taking preventive measures.
Industry Reaction and Preventive Measures
The anonymous warning advises POGO practitioners to "use mobile phones and laptops to work from home (WFH)" as much as possible to avoid raids at the office. This suggestion has been responded to by some practitioners, who have begun to adjust their work modes.
Industry news says that many small POGO teams still in operation have begun to "quietly change locations" or temporarily stop working to avoid being on the "raid list" before Christmas.
Police Actions and Recent Dynamics
Indeed, there have been several night raids targeting telecom fraud dens and residual POGO businesses in Manila and the Pasay area recently. The intensity of police raids has clearly increased, with actions becoming more frequent, causing widespread panic within the industry.
These actions mainly focus on spots suspected of telecommunications fraud and places still operating related to POGO, but the specific purposes and data of the actions have not been disclosed by the officials.
Government Plans and Industry Background
The anonymous warning mentions that the government plans to resume some POGO operations by 2025, a piece of information that has not yet been officially confirmed. The POGO industry in the Philippines has undergone multiple rectifications and policy adjustments and is currently under strict regulation.
Industry analysts believe that the government may adopt a more standardized management approach to POGO in the future, but the specific timetable and plan are still unclear.
Message Dissemination and Authenticity Assessment
The anonymous warning has been spread through social networks and communication channels among practitioners, and its authenticity cannot be verified at present. Police and government departments have not formally responded to or confirmed this warning.
Similar warnings have appeared in the past, usually coinciding with periods of intensified law enforcement actions, but the specific content and motives are difficult to verify.
Industry Status and Risk Perception
The POGO industry in the Philippines faces a strict regulatory environment and law enforcement pressure, with many operators in a state of high alert. The increase in recent raid actions has intensified the industry's uncertainty and risk perception.
Practitioners' sensitivity to law enforcement actions has increased, and any small movement can trigger business adjustments and personnel changes.
Business Continuity Measures
To cope with possible raid actions, some POGO teams have taken business continuity measures, including dispersing office locations, adopting remote work methods, and shortening office hours. These measures aim to reduce the risk of being raided.
At the same time, some teams have strengthened internal information control and personnel safety awareness training.
Market Impact and Industry Trends
The anonymous warning and raid actions have intensified the instability of the POGO industry, possibly leading to short-term business contraction and service interruptions. Practitioners are becoming more cautious, which may affect the overall activity level of the industry.
In the long term, this uncertainty may accelerate the industry's integration and standardization process.
Regulatory Environment and Law Enforcement Focus
The Philippine government maintains a high-pressure regulatory stance on the POGO industry, focusing on issues such as telecommunications fraud, illegal employment, and tax compliance. The law enforcement actions before Christmas may be part of the annual law enforcement plan, not a sudden move.
Law enforcement departments usually intensify actions before holidays, a common phenomenon in multiple industries.
Future Developments and Industry Advice
Industry observers suggest that POGO practitioners pay attention to official information channels, avoid believing unverified rumors, and strengthen their compliance construction to ensure that their business complies with Philippine laws and regulations.
Cooperating with professional legal advisors and regularly conducting compliance reviews is an effective way to reduce risks.
