Century Peak Alleges Unwarranted Raid, Plans Legal Action vs. PNP

November 5, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

The management of Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila, plans to press charges against the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) following the October 29, 2024 raid on the building’s 23rd floor.

Century Peak said the raid–aimed at a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) and alleged online scam operation–was unwarranted since the targeted company, Vertex Technological Corp., no longer operates in the building. The building’s management expressed concern about the heavy police presence, noting it caused disruption and anxiety among tenants.

READ: 700 Filipinos Rescued From Bataan POGO Hub Involved in Online Sports Betting Scams

The raid, carried out with a search warrant, resulted in the arrest of 85 individuals, including 69 foreigners. 74 of the arrested individuals were later released after being held for over 48 hours without formal charges. Century Peak Tower management condemned the incident.

“Century Tower strongly condemns the recent police operations which have caused substantial damage and severely affected its operations and restricted access for all its tenants. We want the public and law enforcement to know that this company has not been in the building since the end of last year. It was a legitimate company with a government-issued license to operate as an Offshore Gaming company,” said Atty. Baby Perian Arcega, legal counsel for Century Peak Tower, in a statement to reporters, last November 3.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has distanced itself from the raid, stressing that it does not support operations that release foreign nationals involved in POGO activities and requested that its name not be associated with these actions.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna was only informed of the raid once it was underway. Authorities earlier alleged that the hub was also the “mother of all POGO hubs” as nabbed foreigners claimed connections with the past administration’s officials.

Secretary Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been urged to initiate an investigation into the raid. Remulla stated that he is assessing whether the proper protocols were followed and expects a full report soon.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo defended the operation, indicating that Vertex Technology had allegedly rebranded as Quantum Solution and was under investigation for fraud-related activities, including cryptocurrency scams and online romance fraud.

Fajardo emphasized that the raid was conducted legally, with evidence supporting the alleged illegal activities, and noted that police did not need to coordinate with anti-trafficking agencies as the case pertained to regulatory violations rather than human trafficking.