"The Atom Araullo Specials: Pogoland"
GMA Public Affairs’ "The Atom Araullo Specials: Pogoland" has been named Best Documentary under Domestic Affairs at the 2025 Association for International Broadcasting (AIB Awards) held in London last November 14. This marks another global victory for the program, following its Gold Medal win at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards earlier this year.
The multi-awarded documentary, hosted by Atom Araullo, investigated the underworld of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs that were used as scam hubs and human trafficking dens. The documentary exposed the horrifying realities behind the glossy façades of online gaming, where victims are lured by promises of legitimate work but end up trapped, tortured, and forced into scamming activity.
The episode also followed law enforcement operations that uncovered chilling evidence of torture, forced labor, and organized crime hidden in plain sight.
"Pogoland" gave voice to victims who endured abuse and violence inside the tightly secured compounds before escaping to tell their stories. Offshore gaming was eventually banned in the Philippines.
Atom Araullo, who renewed his exclusive contract with GMA this November, shared his insights from his past seven years as a Kapuso: “As my contract renews, I’m reminded that this work is a privilege. The AIB recognition belongs to our entire team and the communities who trust us with their stories. We’ll keep pushing for journalism that is rigorous, compassionate, and fearless.”
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