MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will summon officials of two local government units (LGUs) in Zamboanga Sibugay in connection with the operation of two suspected Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGO hubs in their jurisdictions.
The NBI said that officials of Alicia and Siay towns must explain how the operators obtained their permits amid an existing nationwide ban on POGOs.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said investigators are looking at possible violations of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and whether government officials helped facilitate the operation of POGOs.
Probers will also look at possible human trafficking and violation of immigration laws, Matibag said.
The bureau said it would require the LGUs to submit documents pertaining to the construction and operation of the POGO facilities.
Agents of the NBI, the Bureau of Immigration and the Armed Forces of the Philippines raided the gaming facilities on Oct. 2 and arrested 244 foreigners.
The raiding team seized 3,000 mobile phones, computers and other equipment believed used in online scams.
Matibag said the investigation would determine if the gaming facilities were used as troll farms and whether similar operations exist elsewhere in Mindanao and the Visayas as well as Metro Manila.