Latest news with #POGO-related
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Filipino Times
8 Filipinos Rescued, 20 Chinese Nabbed in Pampanga Scam Hub Raids
Authorities rescued eight Filipinos and arrested 20 Chinese nationals during separate anti-scam operations in Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga. In the first operation, 17 Chinese nationals were apprehended in a two-villa compound suspected of operating an online love scam. Confiscated items — including laptops and mobile phones — are undergoing digital forensic examination to uncover the scope of the illegal activities. The rescued Filipinos said they worked over eight hours daily and were still being oriented about the scheme. One woman said they had just arrived and were told only to 'wait for someone.' In a second raid nearby, three more Chinese nationals were arrested in another suspected scam hub. All suspects were brought to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. Authorities are now probing whether the two operations are connected. Clark Development Corporation's VP for security, Ret. Maj. Gen. Lina Sarmiento, emphasized that POGO-related operations have been banned in Clark since 2023. She added that the raids are part of efforts to 'clean up' the zone. The operations were led by the Bureau of Immigration, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Clark Development Corporation.
GMA Network
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
GMA Integrated News Wins Silver, Finalist Honors at Prestigious US International Awards
GMA Integrated News continues to raise the bar in journalism excellence as it brings honor to the Philippines anew at the prestigious 2025 US International Awards. The flagship newscast '24 Oras' won Silver in the Documentaries & Reports – Social Issues category for its compelling coverage and in-depth reporting on the societal impact of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) industry. The winning stories, reported by Saleema Refran and Sandra Aguinaldo, shed light on the far-reaching consequences of POGO-related crimes and their aftereffects on communities. Meanwhile, 'Unang Balita: Pinsala ng El Niño', a report by Darlene Cay, was named a Finalist in the Documentaries & Reports – Environment, Ecology & Sustainability category for its timely and powerful coverage of the devastating effects of the El Niño phenomenon on Filipino livelihoods and the environment. Senior Vice President for GMA Integrated News and Head of Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso expressed pride in the recognition: 'It is such an honor for GMA Integrated News to be recognized at this year's U.S. International Awards—and a Silver award at that. This is both a testament to and validation of our teams' hard work, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence in journalism. We are equally proud of Unang Balita's Finalist citation for its strong entry on El Niño's impact.' These accolades reaffirm GMA Integrated News' commitment to delivering truthful, relevant, and impactful storytelling that resonates not just with Filipinos but with global audiences as well. The recognitions are especially timely as GMA Network celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, marking decades of commitment to delivering impactful news. The U.S. International Awards, which honor outstanding content in film, television, and new media from around the world, are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in global media and journalism. –GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
14-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Gatchalian seeks probe on BI's alleged mishandling of POGO-related deportations
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is seeking an inquiry into alleged corruption and misconduct in the handling of POGO deportations by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). In a statement on Saturday, Gatchalian said he filed Senate Resolution 1381 to probe the agency's leadership amid allegations of corruption and misconduct raised by some concerned BI employees. 'The improper implementation of the country's anti-POGO policy concerning the detention and deportation of foreign nationals involved in POGOs may create loopholes in our anti-POGO framework and allow nefarious POGO actors to continue their operations,' Gatchalian said. The senator said that the improper deportation of POGO-related foreign nationals may allow them to escape liability. GMA News Online reached out to BI for comment. The story will be updated once a response has been received. Earlier this month, unnamed BI employees sent a letter to the President, accusing the agency's top official of overstepping authority by expediting bail for foreign nationals tied to POGOs, including influential POGO figures, according to the lawmaker. The BI employees also claimed that a new scheme has emerged involving the auctioning of permanent quota visas to the highest bidder. 'Kailangan nating ituwid ang katiwalian sa ahensyang inaasahang nagpapatupad ng batas at punan ang pagkukulang sa ating mga regulasyon,' Gatchalian said. (We need to correct corruption in the agency that is supposed to enforce the law and fill the gaps in our regulations.) President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. earlier this week also said he is looking into the allegations Well, of course, we're looking at it. But, you know, mahirap mapag-aralan nang mabuti kung white paper na hindi napirmahan at saka walang specifics. But nonetheless, everything like this, we look into it, and we will continue to do that,'' Marcos told reporters in an ambush interview. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
11-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
BI chief Viado: Impartial probe to provide clarity on corruption allegations
Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado on Wednesday welcomed the investigation into the corruption allegations within the bureau. Viado made the remark after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he is looking into the accusations of corruption at the Bureau of Immigration (BI). 'We respectfully acknowledge and welcome President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s statement regarding the need to look into the issues raised in the so-called BI white paper,' said Viado in a statement. 'We share the President's view that transparency, fairness, and due process are essential in addressing matters of public concern,' he added. Viado also said the BI trusts that 'an impartial and comprehensive investigation will bring clarity, establish accountability where warranted, and ultimately strengthen the public's trust in our institutions.' On Monday, the Immigration chief denied the corruption allegations against the BI, including the supposed mishandling of cases related to the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country. The issue stemmed from a letter purportedly sent by BI employees to the President last week, in which they allegedly accused Viado of corruption. The BI employees—who wished to remain anonymous due to concerns of retaliation from Viado—mentioned in the letter the alleged corrupt practices under the present BI leadership, including the supposed mishandling of POGO-related cases and their deportation. Viado has dismissed the letter as part of a 'smear campaign.' He also accused a senior BI official of fueling the issue after the BI chief supposedly rejected his request to release a Chinese national linked to a powerful political figure from the previous administration. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
10-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos looking into BI corruption allegations
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he is looking into the corruption allegations within the Bureau of Immigration. ''Well, of course, we're looking at it. But, you know, mahirap mapag-aralan nang mabuti kung white paper na hindi napirmahan at saka walang specifics. But nonetheless, everything like this, we look into it, and we will continue to do that,'' Marcos told reporters in an ambush interview. (But it's difficult to study a white paper carefully if it's not signed and doesn't have specifics.) Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado already denied corruption allegations in the bureau, including the supposed mishandling of cases related to the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country. In a press statement, Viado dismissed as 'patently false' the accusations purportedly contained in a letter sent by BI employees to the President last week, wherein they supposedly accused the BI chief of corruption. The BI employees — who wished to remain anonymous due to concerns of retaliation from Viado —mentioned in the letter the alleged corrupt practices under the present BI leadership including the supposed mishandling of POGO-related cases and their deportation. Viado has dismissed the letter as part of a 'smear campaign.' He also accused a senior BI official of fueling the propaganda after the BI chief supposedly rejected his request to release a Chinese national linked to a powerful political figure from the previous administration. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
