The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) distanced itself from an Oct. 29 anti-POGO raid at Century Peak Tower in Manila, conducted by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), criticizing the operation as “flawed” for reportedly releasing foreign suspects.
The PAOCC emphasized that it had no involvement in the operation and that all of its activities are properly coordinated with the Department of Justice and Bureau of Immigration.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, informed of the raid mid-operation, stated the Century Peak Tower hub should begin winding down, supporting the President’s directive to shut down all POGOs by Dec. 31.
Separately, on Oct. 31, PAOCC and other agencies raided Central One Bataan PH, Inc. in Bataan, suspecting it of illegal online gambling activities.
The PNP-ACG held 69 foreign nationals in custody from the Manila raid, while the Bureau of Immigration awaits full documentation to initiate the turnover process.
