Alleged POGO Boss Nabbed in Cebu Tries to Bribe His Way Out of Lapu-Lapu City Raid

September 4, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

The operator of an alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Lapu-Lapu City made multiple attempts to evade justice through bribery.

Winston Casio, spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), revealed this in an interview on BNC’s “At The Forefront” program. He revealed that Zao Lao, a Chinese national believed to own the raided Tourist Garden Resort, attempted to bribe him three times following the raid on August 31, 2024.

“We were able to catch the owner [of] the Tourist Garden Hotel. Mind you, this guy is obviously guilty. He has already attempted to bribe me three times as of last night. He made his third attempt to bribe me to allow to let him go, so obviously this guy is caught red handed,” Casio told anchor Atty. Karen Jimeno.

Two of these bribery attempts were captured on video by BNC’s senior correspondent, Nancy Carvajal. After the raid, Casio met with Zao in the presence of the latter’s 17-year-old granddaughter, who served as his interpreter. During the meeting, the granddaughter asked Casio, “Didn’t we have another way to fix this problem [sic]?”

The granddaughter relayed Zao’s inquiry: “He want to ask, did we have another way to fix this problem [sic]?” Casio responded firmly with a “no.”

The raid, executed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Region 7 in collaboration with PAOCC, the Bureau of Immigration, and the Military Intelligence Group, targeted several ballrooms at the resort. Authorities discovered 162 foreign nationals allegedly being held against their will and forced to work.

“We were able to neutralize three scamming companies within the same POGO compound,” Casio stated.

In addition to the individuals involved, the raid unearthed several notable items, including photographs of Zao and his son with prominent figures such as Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos. The undated photos, obtained by BNC, show Zao (dressed in white) and his son (in a checkered polo) with Duterte, appearing to be at a birthday party. Zao’s son was also pictured with Marcos.

Authorities also seized several cellphones and computers during the operation.

Criminal charges are expected to be filed against Zao and four other Chinese nationals who were identified as team leaders or managers within the alleged POGO hub.