Kidnapping report leads NBI to suspected POGO hub in Panabo City, 60 arrested

DAVAO CITY – A kidnapping report led the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to uncover an alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Barangay Manay, Panabo City, Davao del Norte. The raid resulted in the arrest of 61 individuals, including 55 Chinese nationals, 4 Malaysians, and 1 Filipino.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of December 6, followed a complaint from Ruby Lim, who reported to the NBI Central Office that she had been held captive somewhere in Davao del Norte. Acting on the tip, the NBI conducted surveillance that pinpointed the suspected POGO hub.

However, both the alleged owner of the facility and Ruby Lim managed to escape just before the raid, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.

NBI XI Regional Director Lawyer Archie Albao revealed that the foreign nationals were allegedly working inside the facility. Authorities are verifying whether they had valid visas and work permits and whether the operation was licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Preliminary findings indicate that the POGO operation was neither registered with local authorities nor properly licensed, raising concerns about its legality.

Albao emphasized that Governor Edwin Jubahib is not among the officials they are pursuing.
“I guess the provincial government is not aware of the operation because it is located in a secluded village. The warehouse was an abandoned building, but residents noticed that Chinese nationals would come and go from the vicinity in cars,” Albao said.

Residents near the facility expressed shock and concern about the operation.
“This is alarming, especially for our safety and the peace in our community,” one resident said.

The NBI is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and PAGCOR to confirm the legal status of the detainees and determine the legitimacy of the POGO activities.
“We are ensuring that all steps are taken to address potential violations of immigration, labor, and gaming laws. If the operations are proven illegal, those responsible will face charges,” Albao said.

The arrested individuals are now in the custody of authorities, while efforts to locate the escaped owner and complainant are ongoing.

This incident has reignited public debate about the POGO industry in the Philippines. Critics warn that unregulated offshore gaming operations contribute to illegal immigration, human trafficking, and other criminal activities.

The government has ramped up its crackdown on illegal POGOs amid growing concerns over their negative impact on local communities and the economy.

Local authorities assured residents that proactive measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Updates on the case, including developments on Ruby Lim and the suspected facility owner, will be made public as they arise.