Philippines’ DICT not surprised by ex-POGO ties to online scams
Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda (as depicted in the featured image) said he was not surprised by findings from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), which revealed that many online scammers are Filipinos who acquired their skills while working for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda said on 26 June 2025 that the shift is predictable. “POGOs disappeared, so they shifted to other ventures such as financial crime, hacking, etc,” he noted, while adding that he had not yet seen hard data confirming the trend.
In response, DICT is working with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on three main areas: protecting critical infrastructure, providing cybersecurity training, and supporting the police force’s Information Systems Strategic Plan. More than 230,000 officers are being trained and certified to enhance digital crime detection.
Cyberthreats rising in wake of POGO crackdown
Aguda stressed that upskilling law enforcement is crucial as cyber threats become more sophisticated in the post-POGO landscape. Recent cases underscore the threat. In February 2025, a PNP-led raid in Pasay City dismantled a scam hub behind romance and investment frauds. While many suspects were foreigners, dozens of Filipinos were arrested for their roles in phishing and e-wallet scams.
In November 2024, Indonesian authorities arrested Filipino fugitive Hector Aldwin Pantollana, accused of running a $67 million (€62 million) investment scam targeting Southeast Asian victims. These cases support DICT’s belief that some former POGO workers are now utilising their skills in illicit online schemes.
DICT’s strategy involves scaling up law enforcement capabilities. The nationwide training programme aims to prepare police officers to detect, investigate, and prevent cybercrimes. DICT is also helping the PNP improve its strategic planning and cyber response systems.
Scams becoming a national security risk?
A top priority is securing key infrastructure—both digital and physical—in light of high-profile breaches, such as the Banco de Oro (BDO) hack, which compromised over 700 accounts.
With POGOs now closed, experts warn that many former operators have moved into online crime. DICT’s initiative targets this shift by giving police the expertise needed to dismantle such networks.
Aguda also called digital literacy a national security priority: “Bolstering digital skills within law enforcement is now a critical step in responding to sophisticated cybercrime.” Officials hope that continued training, improved coordination, and stronger cyber defences will curb the rise in scams and restore trust in the country’s digital landscape.
