Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Tuesday vowed to intensify efforts against guerrilla POGOs in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s total ban directive.
Marbil said since the total ban took effect at the start of 2025, the PNP continued to eliminate POGO-related crimes, including illegal detention, financial fraud, and human trafficking.
From January 2024 to February 2025, the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) recorded a total of 40 kidnapping cases, 10 of which involved Chinese nationals as victims, all reportedly abducted by their compatriots.
“These incidents highlight the continuing challenges posed by criminal syndicates operating in the aftermath of the POGO shutdown,” Marbil said in a statement.
He said the PNP is currently investigating the disappearance of a Chinese national last seen on Feb. 20 in Taguig City.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation and urge everyone to rely on official reports. The PNP is committed to following all leads to uncover the truth,” Marbil said.
“The PNP will remain relentless in its efforts to curb criminal activities and dismantle networks that pose threats to peace and order. We are fully committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable,” he added.
On Feb. 20, authorities raided a POGO facility in Parañaque City, resulting in the arrest of 453, including 307 Filipinos and 137 Chinese nationals.
In Metro Manila, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region on Monday formed a tracker team dedicated to hunting underground POGOs.