GMA Public Affairs’ The Atom Araullo Specials: POGOLAND won Best Documentary under Domestic Affairs at the 2025 Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) Awards in London on Nov. 14. The recognition follows the program’s Gold Medal win at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards earlier this year.
The documentary, hosted by Atom Araullo, examined the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry, exposing its use as a hub for scams and human trafficking. It detailed how victims were lured by promises of legitimate work but became trapped, abused, and forced into illegal activities.
The episode also documented law enforcement operations that uncovered evidence of torture, forced labor, and organized crime. POGOLAND highlighted the stories of survivors who escaped these compounds. The Philippines later banned offshore gaming.
Meanwhile, Araullo renewed his exclusive contract with GMA Network this November.
“As my contract renews, I’m reminded that this work is a privilege. The AIB recognition belongs to our entire team and the communities who trust us with their stories,” he said. “We’ll keep pushing for journalism that is rigorous, compassionate, and fearless.”
