PAGCOR Denies Jurisdiction Over Raided BPO in Bataan

PAGCOR confirmed it has no jurisdiction over Central One PH, an AFAB-regulated BPO firm in Bataan.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has clarified that it has no regulatory authority over Central One PH in Bataan, which was raided by authorities due to allegations of human trafficking and illegal gambling operations.

Central One Bataan, the BPO firm in question, was subjected to a raid in late October on suspicions of illegal activities, including online gambling and cryptocurrency scams. However, PAGCOR has emphasized that its regulatory role does not extend to the company.

The BPO operates under a license issued by the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), an independent government agency responsible for overseeing economic activities within the Freeport Area of Bataan.

READ: No POGO, No Torture Chamber: Central One Bataan PH Fights to Dismiss Search Warrant

Central One Bataan has since challenged the legality of the raid, asserting that its operations are fully compliant with the laws and regulations governing its business activities.

Central One PH has been the subject of controversy following a raid by law enforcement authorities in late October. The raid, conducted by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), was based on a warrant alleging fraudulent activities such as online gambling and cryptocurrency scams.

However, Central One PH has vehemently denied these allegations, insisting that it is a legitimate BPO company operating under a license from the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB). The company has also filed a motion to quash the search warrant used in the raid, arguing that it was invalid.

Critics argue that the PAOCC’s actions were hasty and lacked sufficient evidence to justify the forceful entry and seizure of property. Furthermore, the behavior of some PAOCC operatives, including a slapping incident against a Central One PH employee, has further tarnished the agency’s reputation.

Central One PH has taken legal action against the PAOCC, filing a motion to quash the search warrant and seeking accountability for the alleged misconduct of its agents.

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