ALICIA, Zamboanga Sibugay — The investigation into suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hubs in Zamboanga Sibugay is widening beyond the arrest of hundreds of foreign nationals, with Alicia Mayor Ardin Musa ordering a local probe as the National Bureau of Investigation prepares to question municipal officials about how the facilities were allowed to operate.
The parallel investigations could help establish whether the suspected gaming and online scam operations violated local permitting rules and whether any government officials facilitated their establishment.
The NBI has said it will summon officials from Alicia and neighboring Siay to explain how the facilities obtained construction and operating permits despite the nationwide ban on Pogo operations. Investigators are also looking into possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or Republic Act No. 3019.
Musa announced his directive in a social media statement Saturday, saying the municipal government would not tolerate the presence or expansion of Pogo operations within its jurisdiction.
He ordered local police, barangay officials and the Business Permits and Licensing Office to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into businesses allegedly connected to the reported illegal activities.
“Should these allegations be substantiated, this Administration will take all necessary and lawful measures to ensure that the operations are stopped and that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law,” Musa said.
NBI probe puts permitting process under scrutiny
The mayor’s order comes after joint operations on Oct. 2 by the NBI, Bureau of Immigration and Armed Forces of the Philippines in Alicia and Siay resulted in the apprehension of 244 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese.
Authorities reported recovering thousands of mobile phones, computers, laptops and other electronic equipment believed to have been used in online operations. Investigators are examining possible immigration violations, human trafficking, online scams and other offenses connected to the facilities. <Cite refs={[“turn107257search0″,”turn107257search2”]}/>
The NBI’s planned questioning of local officials adds another dimension to the case: how the facilities were established, what permits they obtained and whether any public officials helped facilitate their operations.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said investigators would require the local governments to submit documents relating to the construction and operation of the facilities. The bureau is also examining whether the sites were used for troll farm activities.
The investigation does not mean that the officials to be summoned have committed wrongdoing. Their explanations and the documents they submit will help investigators determine whether any laws or regulations were violated.
Musa’s local probe could complement the national investigation by examining business permits and compliance with municipal requirements. Whether it produces evidence of violations or identifies additional responsible parties remains to be established.
Mayor says economic growth must not compromise public safety
Musa said Alicia remained committed to attracting responsible investments and creating employment opportunities but would not allow economic activity to undermine public safety or community welfare. “While our municipality remains committed to promoting economic growth, responsible business development, and employment opportunities, we firmly believe that economic activity must never come at the expense of the peace, safety, dignity, and moral integrity of our community,” he said.
He warned that unlawful activities could expose residents, particularly children and other vulnerable groups, to exploitation, criminality and disorder. “We will not allow activities that threaten our peace and security or expose our people—especially our children and vulnerable sectors—to risks of exploitation, criminality, and disorder. Your safety is non-negotiable,” Musa said.
He urged residents to report suspicious activities to barangay officials or law enforcement authorities.
Accountability beyond the raids
The Oct. 2 operations marked a major law enforcement action against suspected illegal Pogo-related activities in the province. But the arrests alone cannot establish who financed or managed the facilities, how they secured the necessary permissions or whether public officials knowingly helped them operate.
Those questions now fall within the scope of the NBI’s investigation, alongside the possible criminal activities conducted at the sites.
The outcome will depend not only on the cases pursued against the people apprehended but also on whether investigators can establish violations in the facilities’ construction, registration and operation.
The central issue is whether the evidence will reveal failures in regulatory oversight or unlawful assistance by individuals responsible for enforcing the rules.
Musa said his administration would take lawful action if violations were established. The NBI’s inquiry will determine whether further accountability measures are warranted.
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