INTRAMUROS, Manila — Pasay City mayor Imelda 'Emi' Calixto-Rubiano may have claimed that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) banned by no less than President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. are not tolerated in the city, but there are indications that this not so since there are reports of guerilla operations and continuing scam hubs operating within the city.

Based on findings by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), there are a number of POGOs who have opted to operate through the use of legitimate business establishments as fronts for their scamming operations and other criminal activities.

A PAOCC source said that he believes the 'guerilla' POGOs are being helped by some city officials, who give them protection so that they are not inspected by the city’s business permit and licensing office.
"Hindi magkakalakas-loob ang mga ito kung wala silang padrino o proteksyon mula sa mga opisyal ng LGU (local government unit)," the source pointed out.

Meanwhile, a city hall informant expressed agreement with the view that the clandestine POGO operations are being assisted by a number of Pasay officials who conspire to protect their illegal activities.

The informant, who is an official of the city prosecutor's office, told this writer that it is impossible for any city hall employee to be in cahoots with POGO without the knowledge of Pasay's top officials.

"Ako nga, opisyal na, dahil hindi ako within 'the circle' ay hindi kabahagi sa mga bigayan dito. May sindikato sa loob ng city hall at tolerated ito dahil limang Calixto ang nakaupo sa pamahalaang lungsod na nagkakaisa para magawa nila ang lahat ng kanilang kagustuhan," he revealed.

He even added that also involved in the conspiracy is a well-known media practitioner who is said to be given way to monopolize the city's advertising and publishing requirements like legal notices in exchange of her support and keeping silent over anomalies and irregularities that happen inside city hall.