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The Commission on Human Rights calls for an impartial probe into allegations of mistreatment of a POGO worker by former PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio. The Commission on Human Rights  (CHR) has called for an impartial investigation into allegations involving the mistreatment of a POGO worker by Winston Casio, former spokesperson of the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). The CHR Region III has announced plans to conduct its own investigation into the issue, focusing specifically on evaluating any potential violations of human rights that may have taken place. According to reports, the incident involves claims of verbal and physical abuse, prompting concerns about the treatment of workers within government agencies. “As a government official, Mr. Casio, along with all government personnel, are bound by the highest ethical standards of public service, as outlined in Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” the commission said in a statement They added: “While reports indicate that the man involved allegedly made an offensive gesture toward the PAOCC official, the Commission believes that such behaviour does not justify any form of physical retaliation from a public official.” In its statement, the CHR highlighted the importance of protecting the dignity and rights of every worker, regardless of their role. The Commission emphasized that public officials bear the responsibility of upholding ethical standards and fostering a respectful workplace environment. The CHR noted that such allegations, if proven true, could impact public confidence in government institutions and workplace culture within these agencies. The CHR has expressed its support for a fair and transparent investigation, urging all parties involved to cooperate. It emphasized that the inquiry should be conducted with a commitment to accountability and integrity, as this would be essential in addressing the concerns raised by the allegations. As the investigation proceeds, the CHR reaffirmed its focus on promoting respectful treatment and ethical practices across all sectors, with particular attention to protecting the rights of workers.

The PAOCC expects an executive order to be issued this week to ban POGOs, outlining guidelines for their systematic shutdown amid concerns over criminal links. An executive order (EO) outlining the guidelines for the closure of all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is expected to be issued within the week, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). The EO will provide a framework for the systematic shutdown of POGO operations, which have come under increasing scrutiny due to alleged links to criminal activities. “Palabas na ang EO. I think within the week (The EO is close to being issued, I think it will be released within the week),” PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz was quoted as saying in a report published by GMA Network. Cruz emphasized that the EO would not only set out the policy approach but would also clarify the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies involved in enforcing the ban. “It’s more of magiging policy, how we will approach, what agencies are involved. Para alam ng bawat isa kung ano ang magiging trabaho nila and after ng EO, maglalabas sila ng marching orders para sa specific agencies (It’s more of a set of policies—how we will approach the ban and which agencies are involved),” Cruz explained. “After the EO is released, marching orders will be issued to specific agencies to guide their actions.” The new executive order follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to end all POGO operations  in the Philippines. In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2024, Marcos cited concerns over illegal activities connected to POGOs, such as human trafficking, fraud, and violent crimes. These concerns came to light after government raids exposed torture devices and criminal activities within some POGO hubs. The President’s mandate instructed the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the agency responsible for regulating gambling operations in the country, to ensure that all POGO operations cease by the end of 2024. In line with this directive, the forthcoming EO will define the roles of various agencies, such as law enforcement and local government units (LGUs), to ensure a coordinated approach in shutting down the operations. In a previous statement, Cruz outlined the timeline for the shutdown of POGOs. He mentioned that after the issuance of the EO, a “massive update” would be expected to track progress. “After the deadline, there should be a massive update,” Cruz said. “For those who refuse to close, we will take action. Local government units can shut them down, and the national government will step in if needed.” The EO is set to provide clarity on how these agencies will coordinate to enforce the ban and handle any resistance. Cruz added that those POGO establishments that refuse to comply with the shutdown orders would be subject to immediate arrest, and local government units could move to close them down, with national authorities stepping in if the LGUs fail to act. This move comes as part of a broader crackdown on illegal gambling activities in the country. In recent months, the Philippine government has been focusing on illegal POGO operations, which are often accused of contributing to organized crime. Reports have surfaced of POGO workers being victims of torture , human trafficking, abuse, and exploitation, particularly within certain hubs that operate outside the bounds of the law. In September, Cruz informed a Senate panel that Malacañang planned to issue an executive order banning POGO operations “within two weeks.”

Three PNP-ACG officers were removed after an investigation revealed they tampered with CCTV cameras during a post-raid probe at a Manila scam hub on Oct 31, 2024. Three officers from the Philippine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) have been removed from their posts after an internal investigation into their actions during a high-profile raid at an alleged scam hub in Manila. The officers were accused of tampering with a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera during the post-raid investigation on October 31, 2024. The raid, which took place two days earlier on October 29, targeted a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility located inside the Century Peak Tower in Manila. According to a PNA report, the officers in question covered and moved a CCTV camera positioned in a hallway of the building to conceal their actions. The officers were reportedly walking shirtless due to the extreme heat inside the building, which had no air conditioning, and the elevator was out of service, forcing them to walk up to the 23rd floor where the POGO operation was located. The ACG’s chief, Major General Ronnie Francis Cariaga, confirmed the removal of the three officers from their posts and ordered a thorough probe into the incident. He expressed concern for the well-being of the police officers but emphasized that any misconduct within the force would not be tolerated. “The PNP ACG is concerned about the welfare of the police officers, but we take this incident very seriously and will not tolerate such actions. Sanctions will be imposed if these police officers are found liable,” Cariaga was quoted as saying in the PNA report. The officers are now facing administrative proceedings and are under the jurisdiction of the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (PHAS) of the ACG. The investigation into the incident continues, as authorities seek to determine the full extent of any potential wrongdoing. The raid on the Century Peak Tower was part of a broader operation targeting illegal gambling and phasing out POGO activities by the end of 2024. According to reports, the building housed a POGO operation, a type of online gambling business often associated with various forms of illegal activity, including scamming. The authorities discovered that the operation was masquerading as a legitimate business process outsourcing (BPO) firm, designed to deceive local authorities and the public. This raid was one of several recent operations aimed at cracking down on such illegal activities. Just days after the Century Peak Tower raid, on October 31, a separate operation led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the PNP Special Action Force, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) resulted in the shutdown of Central One Bataan PH, Inc. in Bagac, Bataan. The operation, which was carried out under a search warrant issued by a court in Malolos, Bulacan, revealed that Central One was also a scam and gaming hub posing as a legitimate BPO company. NCRPO Chief Denies Claims of Extortion Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Major General Sidney Hernia has found himself facing allegations of extortion along with 14 other officers, although he has firmly denied the accusations. In a statement, Hernia called the allegations “absurd and unfounded,” and he urged his accusers to present their claims in the proper legal forum. “I will not tolerate any wrongdoing within our ranks, and I fully support a transparent investigation into these allegations,” Hernia said. “The NCRPO remains committed to fighting criminality and protecting the public from fraudulent activities. We welcome the opportunity to clear our names and demonstrate the integrity of our actions.” The accusations against Hernia and the other officers were reportedly made in connection with their involvement in the Central One operation, which the PAOCC later disowned, calling the operation “flawed” due to the controversial release of foreign suspects. Despite the controversy, Hernia and the NCRPO stand by the lawfulness of their actions during the raid.

Winston Casio, the recently relieved spokesperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), may face criminal charges for slapping a Filipino man during a raid in Bataan. Winston Casio, the recently relieved spokesperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), may face criminal charges for slapping a Filipino man during a raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in Bataan. Video footage of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows Casio slapping the worker. The PAOCC has launched an internal investigation into the matter. In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “Agenda,” PAOCC Chief Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz stated that charges would be filed if sufficient evidence is found. “Kung ano yung maging resulta doon sa imbestigasyon, kung kailangan namin siyang file-an ng kaso dahil nakakita po kami ng ebidensya doon po sa ginawa niya, then mag-fa-file po kami ng criminal charge po laban sa kaniya (On the results of the investigation, if we need to file a case because we found evidence of what he did, then we will file criminal charges against him),” Cruz said. Casio, now on administrative status, has apologized publicly, admitting his actions were impulsive. The agency is still searching for a replacement spokesperson. On November 5, 2024, Winston John Casio, the spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), was officially relieved from his position amid allegations of assaulting a Filipino worker during a raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Bagac, Bataan.  During the October 31 raid, Casio explained that Filipino workers at the facility were told they could leave, as detaining around 950 individuals was unfeasible. Their release prompted loud cheers from the crowd, leading Casio to send an officer to monitor the situation. When a POGO worker reportedly insulted the officer, Casio confronted him, giving him a choice: face charges for unjust vexation or receive two light slaps. The worker allegedly chose the slaps, and Casio complied, delivering three slaps instead of two. Casio admitted his actions were inappropriate, attributing it to frustration

Five Chinese nationals accused police of extorting P4 million during a Manila raid on a POGO, offering legal help in exchange for securing their release Five Chinese nationals arrested in a Manila raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGOs) claim that Philippine National Police (PNP) officers tried to extort P4 million in exchange for legal help to secure their release. The Chinese nationals alleged that the extortion attempt occurred after they declined to sign a false document labeling them as victims of human trafficking. This is based on their sworn affidavits which were cited by Bilyonaryo News Channel. According to the BNC report , the detainees have requested the suspension of the PNP officials from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), who were operating under NCRPO Chief Major Gen. Sidney Hernia. However, PNP officials have denied the claims. Major General Hernia, in a statement, quoted by a PNA article asserted, "I will not tolerate any wrongdoing within our ranks, and I fully support a transparent investigation into these allegations." The detainees, who had refused to sign false human trafficking documents, were later able to hire their own lawyers after paying ₱500,000 each. About The Ermita Raid, And Its Controversies The controversial raid happened on October 29, 2024, at a suspected POGO facility located inside the Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila, which police authorities described as a raid towards the “mother of all POGOs.”   Police officers reported that the suspects were allegedly involved in multiple scams, including cryptocurrency and romance frauds, resulting in the seizure of numerous devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and various SIM cards. Despite the evidence, the PNP faced a dilemma when the BI declined to take custody of the detained foreign nationals, ultimately leading to their release. Administrators of Century Peak Tower, the building where the raid occurred, claimed they had no knowledge of illegal POGO activities in the premises.  The Ermita raid saw around 69 foreigners - 34 Indonesian, 10 Malaysian, and 25 Chinese nationals nabbed during the operations which took place at the Century Peak Tower. Building management is planning to press charges against the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the PNP and the NCRPO.  Meanwhile, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) officials labeled the operation as “flawed,” citing reports of foreign suspects being released without legal proceedings. .They also added that they were “not consulted nor informed regarding this operations” and distanced themselves from it.  “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. It was reported on November 6 that officers from the PNP-ACG were removed from their posts for allegedly tampering  with a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera during the post-raid investigation on October 31. Major General Ronnie Francis Cariaga, ACG chief, confirmed the removal of three officers involved in a recent incident and ordered a thorough investigation. While expressing concern for the officers’ well-being, Cariaga emphasized a strict stance against misconduct within the force, promising sanctions if liability is proven. The officers now face administrative proceedings under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (PHAS) of the ACG. The investigation aims to fully uncover any wrongdoing and assess the necessary disciplinary actions. “The PNP ACG is concerned about the welfare of the police officers, but we take this incident very seriously and will not tolerate such actions. Sanctions will be imposed if these police officers are found liable,” he said in November 6.  The incident has sparked public concern and raised questions about the transparency and accountability of law enforcement agencies in the Philippines. But the PNP asserted that the operation was legitimate, while acknowledging that issues were raised regarding the implementation of the cyber warrant and possible harassment of tenants during the operation. NCRPO also defended the raid, adding that it aimed at executing cyber warrants to combat cybercrime, not anti-human trafficking.  The NCRPO stated that discovering foreign nationals on-site was incidental to the raid's main purpose, and any subsequent releases fall under judicial procedures, not the Bureau of Immigration’s responsibility. Reports indicate that employees from closed POGO hubs were working at Century Peak Tower.

Alice Guo’s legal team seeks dismissal of perjury and falsification charges, calling the allegations unfounded and based on misunderstandings of her documentation. Alice Guo’s legal team is urging the dismissal of perjury and falsification charges filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The camp of the dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor is calling the allegations unfounded and based on misunderstandings of her documentation and business dealings. The legal counsel of Guo argues that the charges are not only unfounded but may also be fueled by political motivations, given her rising influence in the region and her background as a successful businesswoman. Guo, accused of being a Chinese national, faces accusations of falsifying official records and lying under oath. Her camp has filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the accusations might be influenced by Guo’s rising influence in the region. “Respectfully, there is no enough evidence to prove that I actually committed any of these crimes imputed against me. In fact, one can surmise that the purpose of the repetitive allegations in this Complaint is simply to vex, annoy and harass me,” Guo said in her affidavit, as quoted by the Inquirer. The NBI claims Guo’s documents show discrepancies that misrepresent her identity and affiliations, amounting to perjury and document falsification. However, Guo’s lawyers counter that any alleged inconsistencies are minor clerical errors, not willful attempts to deceive the public or the authorities. They emphasize that these are “administrative oversights, not criminal acts,” and argue that the legal basis for the charges is weak because the intent to deceive, an essential element in perjury and falsification cases, is missing. Guo’s counsel points out that mistakes in documentation are common, especially in complex business and bureaucratic environments, and do not automatically imply guilt or malicious intent. “Ito yung preliminary investigation sa kasong perjury saka falsification, well nag-submit kami ng counter-affidavit so basically tapos na ang PI on our part except kung mag-reply yung kabila sasagutin namin, (This is the preliminary investigation for the perjury and falsification case. Well, we submitted a counter-affidavit, so basically, the PI on our part is finished, unless the other side replies, then we will respond.)” Guo’s lawyer Atty. Stephen David told reporters in a chance interview. David’s comments suggest that Guo’s team is confident in their defense and is prepared to continue challenging the charges if the NBI chooses to escalate the case further. Guo’s legal team contends that the NBI’s focus on minor inconsistencies suggests an overreach, asserting that no malicious intent or deliberate misrepresentation occurred.  By framing the charges as a matter of administrative error rather than criminal action, Guo’s camp hopes to persuade the court to see the allegations as part of an effort to harass and discredit her. “Siya ang talagang pumirma, pre-signed kasi iyan, so wala akong nakikitang falsification doon kasi siya naman ang pumirma, ngayon kung sino ang nag-notaryo dapat yun ang tanungin natin. (She is the one who actually signed it; it was pre-signed. So, I don’t see any falsification there because she was the one who signed it. Now, if there’s anyone to question, it should be the notary who did it),” David added. But in latest news, The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has blocked 1,627 “spurious” birth certificates of foreign nationals, including one linked to Alice Guo, which Senator Grace Poe confirmed during a Senate session on November 7, 2024, as she updated the body on an ongoing audit of fraudulent birth certificates.  Poe, who chairs the Senate finance committee, shared that the PSA’s internal investigation had flagged these documents as fraudulent. The names of the individuals involved have been forwarded to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Of the 1,627 blocked certificates, 18, including Guo's, have been referred to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for cancellation.

Century Peak Tower management in Ermita plans to press charges against the ACG and NCRPO after a raid on the building's 23rd floor on October 29, 2024. 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. 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.

Winston Casio has been relieved for allegedly slapping a worker of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) . Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has relieved spokesperson Winston Casio. The former Spox is under administrative investigation for his supposed mistreatment of a Filipino national during a raid at a POGO hub in Bagac, Bataan. Footage of the incident made rounds on social media, while PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz ordered Casio to explain the incident in writing within 24 hours. “Furthermore, you are hereby relieved of your responsibilities as spokesperson for PAOCC effective immediately and until the completion of this investigation,” the memo said, as reported by ABS-CBN News. The video showed Winston Casio for slapping a POGO worker who was cursing and raising the middle finger at government officials in the middle of the Bataan raid last October 31, 2024. The POGO and scam hub was allegedly fronting as a business process outsourcing company in Central One in Bagac, Bataan. “I was not able to control myself sa ginawa sa bata at sa kaibigan ko na parang ate ang turing ko (I was not able to control myself for what he did to my underling, and a friend who I consider my sister.)” Casio said about the slapping incident. “Pero I will man up. I am willing to face the music po. Pinapili ko siya mag file kami ng unjust vexation or sampalin ko siya. Pinili niya latter. Pero mali pa rin sirs and maam. So I will face the consequences (I made him choose if we will file unjust vexation charges against him or if I should slap him. He chose the latter. But sirs and maams, it’s still inappropriate. So I will face the consecquences.)”

PNP Chief Rommel Marbil vows to eliminate all POGOs nationwide by the end of 2024. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Marbil has committed to eliminating all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) across the country by the end of the current year. Marbil pledged to intensify police efforts to shut down POGO operations, which are linked to crimes such as torture , human trafficking, cyber fraud, and various illegal activities, as reported by Malaya Business Insight. “We have two months to go to clear the country of these illegal POGOs,” Marbil told reporters. The PNP will work closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to enforce stringent measures, including heightened surveillance, crackdown operations, and administrative penalties on non-compliant entities. “This operation not only exposes the vast reach of illegal POGO activities but also reinforces the unwavering resolve of law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks, uphold public safety, and preserve the rule of law in every sector of cyber enforcement,” he said, as reported by the Inquirer. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement during his 2023 State of the Nation Address, where he ordered the removal of POGOs  due to their detrimental impact on the country’s social order and security. The President underscored the need to counteract the negative social and economic effects POGOs have introduced, echoing calls from various sectors to prioritize citizen safety and well-being over the revenue generated by these operations. The PNP’s commitment reflects growing public and government pressure to address POGOs’ involvement in organized crime. PNP Chief Marbil reiterated his resolve to eradicate these operations entirely by December, emphasizing that any remaining establishments will be strictly sanctioned to safeguard communities across the Philippines.

Licenses issued by freeport and economic zones remain in a gray area, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr . has yet to issue a direct order.  President Marcos has yet to sign an executive order regarding his directive to shut down all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators  (POGOs) by the end of the year. Rappler’s article indicated that multiple sources have confirmed this, following the recent raid in the Central One Bataan Inc . in Bagac town on October 31, 2024. Central One is situated within the Bataan Freeport, highlighting the misuse of freeport use for offshore gaming. The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) argued that Central One does not need to secure a permit from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). “This raid is tangible proof that some investment promotion areas are being abused to allow offshore gaming activities that are bordering on scamming activities,” Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio was quoted as saying in the Rappler report. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said however that no EOs are “necessary” to press on with operations against POGOs in the said areas. The structure allows these zones to function semi-independently, yet also poses challenges for centralized government regulation and oversight, especially concerning gambling and potentially illegal activities. Economic zones and freeports in the Philippines enjoy a degree of autonomy to foster investment and economic growth within specific areas, often through special regulatory frameworks. This autonomy allows them to issue licenses, including those for offshore gaming operations, under unique charters tailored to attract foreign businesses and offer them favorable conditions, like tax incentives and flexible regulatory oversight.

PAOCC distanced itself from a flawed police raid on POGOs at Century Peak Tower, Manila, citing concerns over foreign suspects being released during the operation.  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.

Authorities raided a  Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bataan posing as a BPO, allegedly involved in online sports betting scams.  Over 700 Filipinos were rescued during the raid of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) and scam hub allegedly fronting as a business process outsourcing company in Bagac, Bataan. The raid was held at the Centro Park compound in Bagac last October 31, 2024. Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) authorities conducted surveillance operations on Central One in Bataan after receiving information that they are doing human trafficking activities. Over 700 Filipinos were rescued while 42 foreigners were placed under police custody, according to a TV Patrol report. It took them until past midnight of November 1 to round up the employees. A separate report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer also detailed that they received reports of online sports betting scams being operated in the company. The suspected Philippine offshore gaming operations  hub raided by authorities in Bataan on October 31 was reportedly engaged in human trafficking, scamming, and other illegal activities, a Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) official said Saturday. “Nakatanggap kami ng mga report, complaints galing sa mga Pilipino na di umano meron human trafficking activities sa ilang sections ng Central One Bataan at may mga scamming activities din. (We received complaints from Filipinos that there are allegedly human trafficking activities in some sections of Central One Bataan. There are also scamming activities as well),” said Casio. The warrants were issued on October 29. Casio said Capital One lacks a permit from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation  to operate. “Meron itong lisensya sa authority of freeport of Bataan bilang business process outsourcing, kaya lang ang kanilang activites goes beyond back office, ‘di lang ito customer service (They have a license as a business process outsourcing. However, their activities go beyond back office operations. This is not just about customer service),” Casio said. Casio also pointed out: “This is out of the ordinary; there seem to be indicators of black market banking. “We also saw them using a gaming platform we call Winbox. That Winbox gaming platform is banned in other countries because it is flagged down as [it is] used in so-called cryptocurrency investment scams.” Suspects are currently facing violations of the Anti-Trafficking and the Expanded Trafficking in Persons Acts. Although the raid led to the capture of the company’s top executives, the PAOCC official reported that five individuals—four Malaysians and one Thai national—are still at large and need to be located.