PAOCC is set to arrest four alleged Chinese and Malaysian-Chinese financiers of POGOs in the coming days, targeting key figures behind illegal gaming operations.
During the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” briefing held on October 15, 2024, PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio provided updates on the ongoing investigations. He confirmed that the agency is closing in on these financiers and is in the process of developing solid cases against them. “Most of them are Chinese and we got a few who are Malaysian-Chinese. So, may lead po tayo (we have a lead),” he stated, indicating that the PAOCC has been monitoring these individuals for some time.
Dr. Casio emphasized that the evidence gathered against the financiers is robust, suggesting that law enforcement is well-prepared for the impending arrests. “I’m sure hindi lang apat ‘yan. Mayroon pa ibang kasama mga ‘yan pero, so far, apat ang aming minamanmanan ngayon (I’m sure there are not just four. There are others involved with them, but for now, we are focusing on these four),” he was quoted as saying in a report published by the Manila Bulletin.
The crackdown on POGO operations comes in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban POGOs due to their links to various criminal activities. Following this order, the PAOCC reported a significant decrease in POGO operations. However, Dr. Casio acknowledged the ongoing challenge of addressing underground operations that continue to evade law enforcement.
“So, there are a good number of them [still operating underground], and we are having difficulty catching up,” he remarked. The PAOCC’s efforts reflect a broader governmental strategy to eliminate POGOs, which have faced increased scrutiny over allegations of illegal activities, including human trafficking and money laundering.
The President had set a deadline for the closure of all POGOs by the end of this year, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Dr. Casio assured the public that the task force’s mandate would extend beyond December 31. “So, tuluy-tuloy lang kami. Assuming na may matira pa (We will continue our mandate. Assuming that some POGOs remain after December, we will still go after them and close them down),” he stressed.
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