Philippines repurposes former Pogo hub as detention center after crackdown on illegal activities

A raid last year on a Philippine offshore gaming operator revealed a disturbing environment where workers were closely monitored and subjected to violence. The facility, once a hub for scams, has since been repurposed for government use, but remnants of abuse remain. In July, President Marcos banned Pogo operations due to their links to serious crimes. This decision has led to a significant drop in scam-related complaints, with reports of victims decreasing from over 100,000 last year to nearly none now. The former Pogo hub now serves as a detention facility for foreign nationals, including victims and suspects. The facility houses over 300 detainees, primarily from China, and provides medical care for former workers and their children, highlighting ongoing challenges related to the Pogo industry.