Remulla: Chinese Nationals with POGO Links Behind Most PH Drug Syndicates (2016-2025)
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla declared that the majority of drug syndicates operating in the Philippines from 2016 to 2025 were led by Chinese nationals connected to Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). He labeled Pogos as a "plague" on the Philippines, linking them to nearly every illegal activity during that period.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated on March 24, 2026, that most drug syndicates operating in the Philippines from 2016 to 2025 were led by Chinese nationals linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). He made these remarks during a briefing in Trece Martires City, Cavite, while overseeing the destruction of P4.56 billion worth of seized narcotics, including shabu (crystal meth), cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy, conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) via thermal decomposition. Remulla emphasized that 'every illicit activity from 2016 to 2025 can be traced back to POGOs,' noting their role in enabling syndicates through POGO visas. He added that nearly all apprehended syndicates were headed by these Chinese nationals, and the Philippines continues to face consequences from their operations.
This statement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s ban on all POGOs, effective December 2024, due to links to scams, human trafficking, and other crimes. Remulla labeled POGOs as a 'plague' on the Philippines, linking them to nearly every illegal activity during that period. The timeline covers the Duterte administration (2016-2022) through the early years of the Marcos administration (2022-2025), with Remulla noting that the Philippines is still dealing with the aftermath of POGO operations.
In the same event, Remulla contrasted the current anti-drug efforts under Marcos with the Duterte administration's approach (2016-2022). He claimed Marcos's law-focused campaign is more effective, citing 30 tons of drugs seized from 2022 to 2026 compared to 12.5 tons under Duterte, thanks to collaboration among PDEA, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Dangerous Drugs Board. Remulla highlighted the elimination of 'ninja cops' who recycled seized drugs and stressed adherence to legal processes over violence.
No direct connection appears in recent reports between POGO-linked Chinese nationals and the 10 former PNP officials (ranks of major and captain) whom Remulla identified in February 2026 as leading separate criminal syndicates involved in extortion, kidnapping, and other crimes; their identities remain undisclosed pending investigation completion. Official records note 6,252 drug war fatalities, though human rights groups estimate 12,000-30,000. The destruction of P4.56 billion worth of drugs in Cavite represents one of the largest drug destruction operations under the current administration.
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