Here’s why PAOCC described Manila POGO raid as “flawed”

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) distanced itself from a police operation targeting Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) at Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila. PAOCC officials labeled the operation as “flawed,” citing reports of foreign suspects being released.

On October 29, 2024, just two days before another major operation in Bataan, the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided a suspected POGO hub located in Ermita, Manila. This raid, conducted by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), uncovered alleged involvement in illegal online gambling and cryptocurrency scams.

The PAOCC has distanced itself from the operation, asserting that it was neither consulted nor informed prior to the raid. They condemned the subsequent release of 69 foreign nationals, which occurred due to legal constraints imposed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), leading the PAOCC to label the operation as “flawed.”

“The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission was not part of the raid that was spearheaded by the PNP NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) and the PNP ACG. We were never consulted nor informed regarding this operation. We never release any foreign nationals caught in POGOs. Please do not associate PAOCC with flawed operations,” said the PAOCC statement which was cited in a PNA report.

The PAOCC also asserted that all of its operations are coordinated with the Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT) and the BI. They further clarified that they had not labeled the raided establishment as the “mother of all POGOs,” a description that had circulated in the media. In their defense, the PAOCC stressed their commitment to proper procedures and communication regarding operations against illegal activities.

In the wake of these events, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna voiced her support for the directive issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., mandating the complete shutdown of all POGO operations by December 31 of this year. She emphasized the need for the Century Peak Tower hub to wind down its operations immediately, advising landlords to terminate leases and instructing displaced employees to seek assistance from Manila’s Public Employment Service Office.

As investigations continued, it emerged that the Century Peak Tower hub was staffed by employees from previously closed POGO operations. The raids revealed that the suspects were allegedly engaged in various scams, including cryptocurrency and romance scams, leading to the confiscation of numerous devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and assorted SIM cards. Despite this evidence, the PNP found itself in a predicament when the BI refused to take custody of the apprehended foreign nationals, leading to their eventual release.

The BI has claimed that the PNP did not provide the necessary documentation to facilitate the processing of the foreign nationals. This documentation is crucial for determining the identity of the detainees and assessing their potential status as victims of human trafficking. The BI criticized the PNP for withholding essential information, stating that without proper coordination, they were unable to perform their duties effectively.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil defended his officers, labeling the raid a success despite criticism from the PAOCC.

Looking forward, Gen. Marbil has assured the public that the PNP will intensify operations against POGOs in the coming months. Following President Marcos’ directive in July to shut down all POGO operations due to their association with criminal activities, the PNP is preparing to file charges against those involved in the illegal operations uncovered in the recent raids, including the owner of the facility.

As of now, the PAOCC has reported that there are still 111 illegal POGO hubs operating across the Philippines.

Read related article: PNP To Dismiss 11 Cops For Moonlighting With POGOs