Five foreigners were arrested in Makati for robbery and carnapping. Authorities believe they were former POGO workers who lost their jobs after the crackdown.
Makati police have arrested five foreign nationals—four Chinese and one Malaysian—for alleged involvement in robbery, carnapping, and illegal possession of firearms. Authorities believe the suspects are former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers who lost their jobs.
According to an ABS-CBN report, the incident transpired December 30, 2024. At the time, a Chinese businessman and his Filipina girlfriend were victimized. The couple reported being blindfolded, handcuffed, and robbed at gunpoint by five men.
The victims recounted their terrifying experience, with the Filipina stating, "I was so scared when the gun was pointed at me… They put blindfolds on us and covered our mouths. One of them spoke English and said, 'Don't shout.' They said they would just take our belongings and then leave." The businessman added, “They said don’t talk. [There was a] gun in [my] head. [I was] so scared.”
Investigation revealed that two of the suspects had been staying with the victims after losing their POGO jobs. Makati Police Chief PCOL Jean Dela Torre confirmed that all suspects were former POGO employees who resorted to theft after becoming unemployed.
In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the shutdown of the industry, linking it to crimes such as human trafficking and money laundering.
Following the report, police conducted hot pursuit operations from December 30th until the new year, apprehending the suspects in separate locations in Metro Manila and Pampanga. The stolen items included a bullet-proof vehicle worth P5.5 million, which the suspects had fitted with improvised license plates. Carnapping charges have also been filed.
One of the arrested individuals admitted to being a former POGO worker who now works as a cook, while others declined to comment.
Read related article: IACAT Notes "Absence of Provision" for Seized POGO Properties
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