Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised alarms over the emergence of “guerilla scam operations” in the Philippines following the government’s ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Speaking during the Senate deliberations on the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) proposed 2025 budget, Hontiveros described the trend as a troubling new challenge for law enforcement.
“Instead of using POGOs as regulatory cover, guerilla scam operations are now emerging—perhaps even harder to detect,” Hontiveros said.
The senator sought clarification on how the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC) is addressing these illicit activities. In response, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who sponsors the DICT’s budget, highlighted the apprehension of 11 scam hubs through collaborative efforts with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Gatchalian noted that the CICC uses advanced technology to detect scam hubs and operates a hotline for public reports.
Criminal Schemes Persist Despite Efforts
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially banned POGOs during his State of the Nation Address in July, following Senate probes uncovering criminal activities linked to the industry. Despite this progress, scammers have evolved, creating a “new face” for illegal operations. Recent schemes involve anonymous text messages offering properties for sale, replacing the widespread spurious job offers prevalent in previous scams.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has reported significant strides in countering text scams, blocking 2.22 billion messages and deactivating 2.31 million SIM cards as of September 2024. Yet, Gatchalian acknowledged the need for stricter measures, noting that “there’s much to be done.”
The DICT and NTC are reportedly working closely with telecommunications companies to tighten SIM registration requirements and reduce spam messages. Discussions on the CICC’s technological methodologies are expected in future executive sessions.
Tackling Modern Cyber Threats
Hontiveros emphasized the importance of addressing guerilla scams effectively to safeguard Filipinos, urging further coordination among agencies to stay ahead of evolving cybercrime tactics.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.