Philippine National Police updates strategies against drug shipments and micro scam hubs

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has expressed satisfaction with the progress of an investigation into a 521-kilogram suspected “shabu” shipment intercepted in Laos. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been reviewing CCTV footage, witness testimonies, and documentary evidence involving a chartered aircraft. The CIDG is expected to submit its final report by October 23, with seven out of 11 persons of interest having already appeared before investigators.

Separately, the PNP is recalibrating its intelligence and surveillance strategies to combat decentralized “micro scam hubs.” Following a nationwide ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), authorities have observed illegal offshore gaming operators shifting from large compounds to smaller, rented houses in Metro Manila to evade detection. These micro hubs reportedly house between 10 and 20 people. The PNP plans to utilize cyber-surveillance, high-bandwidth usage tracking, and community-level monitoring to dismantle these clandestine operations.