Manila: Over 5,099 individuals, some of whom are former employees of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), have been apprehended in connection with various cybercrimes from January to mid-June this year, according to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP ACG acting director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang shared in an interview with PTV-4's Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon that these arrests were made due to involvement in a range of online offenses. Brig. Gen. Yang reported that the majority of those arrested are unemployed males aged between 20 and 30. Legal actions have been initiated against the suspects, with 116 individuals already convicted by courts.
Earlier statements from Brig. Gen. Yang revealed that 608 of the apprehended suspects were caught during entrapment operations, and among those arrested, seven were foreigners. This crackdown follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive last year to impose a total ban on all POGOs due to their involvement in criminal activities.
The PNP ACG is also investigating a recent incident involving a "deepfake" video of the Chief Executive that promoted an online trading platform. Coordination with Facebook has been made to preserve necessary data for the investigation, and a request has been submitted to take down the video.
In a separate operation, the Philippine National Police High Patrol Group (PNP HPG) has arrested a Chinese national for attempting to sell a stolen Ford Ecosport utility vehicle in Paco, Manila. PNP HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang disclosed that the 32-year-old suspect, who was also allegedly supplying illegal drugs to compatriots in Metro Manila, was caught during an entrapment operation on General Luna Street.
The arrest was facilitated by information from the vehicle's prospective buyer, who was offered the stolen vehicle for PHP180,000. The PNP HPG's verification process confirmed the car was stolen, prompting the operation. A subsequent search of the suspect's Mercedes Benz revealed 45 sachets of ecstasy, seven sachets of shabu, marijuana vape cartridges, a sachet of cocaine, alongside a .25 caliber Colt pistol with ammunition.
