Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz confirmed that small-scale Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are still operating in the country despite the government's intensified efforts to crack them down.

In an interview on Dos Por Dos on Wednesday, Cruz clarified that these small-scale POGOs are no longer engaged in gambling but are instead involved in scamming activities.

"Sa totoo lang, mayroon pa pong [POGO]. Kaya lang, hindi na po siya kagaya nung mga naraid po natin noong mga nauna. Ngayon, mga small scale na lang, minsan mga 30-50 [workers]. Pinakamarami na nahuli na po natin, mga 114 na POGO workers," said Cruz.

Cruz cited an incident in Silang, Cavite, where PAOCC arrested foreign POGO workers who rented a resort as a base for their illegal activities. The suspects used laptops and pocket Wi-Fi devices to avoid detection and escape authorities easily.

The PAOCC undersecretary clarified that small-scale POGOs are hiding their crimes under the guise of online gaming but are actually engaged in scamming activities.

Cruz estimates that around 100 small-scale POGOs are still operating in the country, allegedly hiding and conducting cybercrimes.

The PAOCC has deported more than 6,000 POGO workers since the ban took effect. Meanwhile, 700 POGO workers remain in jail and are waiting for deportation.

These detained foreigners are currently being held in Pasay.

"Yung dating POGO hub na nahuli natin dito sa Pasay, kinonvert po natin sa isang kulungan. Kasi hindi kaya ng immigration," Cruz said.

Meanwhile, foreign counterparts have reportedly assisted in providing deportation tickets for detained foreign nationals.