Operatives of PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group process seized computers and cellphones used for alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming operation in Almanza Uno in Las Pinas City on Monday evening. ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA -- The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said Tuesday it continued to monitor the operations of small-scale POGOs flouting the ban on their sector.

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The PAOCC earlier reported that a number of POGO workers refused to leave the country despite the ban, and have started smaller, guerilla style POGO operations on their own in various parts of the country.

PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said many of these small-scale POGOs were monitored in Metro Manila, while others have started operating in Visayas and Mindanao. Unlike bigger POGOs that operated in massive complexes and big buildings, these small POGOs typically work in smaller areas, such as private resorts or apartments, he said.

“Siguro 80 percent ng 400 na 'yun talagang tumigil… Pero ang pagtigil natin hindi ibig sabihin na tumigil sila totally, 'yun nga ang hinahabol natin, mga small scale,” he said.

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Cruz said the small POGOs were typically composed of 20 to 50 individuals, renting two rooms for their scamming activities.

“Although sa monitoring natin sa iba, may partner pa rin silang foreign nationals. Kasi kung specific ang lolokohin nila, let’s say na ang lolokohin nila is mga Vietnamese, Malaysian, o kaya taga Indonesia, kailangan nila yung marunong magsalita ng language. Sa ngayon gumagamit sila ng foreign nationals, at 'yung foreign nationals ang nasa ulo noong small-scale POGO operations, at 'yung keyboard operators mga Pilipino," he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed the interior department to mobilize local governments against small-scale POGOs, saying that it was inexcusable for local authorities to claim ignorance on the operations of these foreigners in their area.

Cruz said Marcos believed POGO hubs could not operate "without the knowledge of the local government officials", especially in barangays.

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“Kasi nga, ultimong mga sari-sari store, nakikita ng barangay 'yan kapag itinatayo. Sabi nya, 'eto pa?' Ang POGO hindi naman basta tatayo 'yan, they need internet connections, they need computers kailangan nila ng tao, kailangan nila ng foreign nationals na magga-guide sa kanila,” he said.

Authorities earlier mentioned that the indicators that a POGO is operating in the area include a sudden influx of foreigners, an increase in applications for internet connections, and a rise in food deliveries.