Cebu City remains free of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said, following the arrest of 17 Taiwanese nationals linked to online fraud schemes.
The suspects, apprehended by the NBI and Taiwan Police in a May 15 raid, were allegedly operating romance scams and financial fraud, but not POGO-related activities.
Six of those arrested were identified as members of Taiwan’s Four Seas Gang, a syndicate targeting victims in Malaysia and China.
Authorities seized computers used in scamming operations that reportedly caused Taiwan weekly losses of up to ₱1.7 billion.
While not considered POGO activity, Mayor Garcia stressed that these crimes must still be dealt with forcefully by law enforcement.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 20, 2025
