A suspected POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) hub in Ayala, Makati City, was raided by the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Thursday evening. However, no individuals were present when authorities arrived at the scene.
According to PAOCC, they had expected to seize around 600 POGO workers during the raid, which was carried out in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Makati local government unit (LGU).
"Sa tingin po namin operational pa po, kasi yung tataong palapag na nakita namin, 25, 46, tsaka 51 floor, ang lamig pa nung aircon nung pagdating namin," said Usec. Gilbert Cruz during Friday's Dos Por Dos interview.
Cruz explained that the anticipated foreign and Filipino workers managed to escape just before authorities arrived.
"Pati mga pagkain, mainit pa e," Cruz added.
During the raid, authorities discovered scripts, manuals, computers, and other gadgets used by the POGO workers for their alleged scamming operations. These findings were spread across seven floors of the building, including rooms believed to be used for training.
Cruz stated that PAOCC will inquire with the building’s administrator to understand why such activities were allowed to take place within the premises.
PAOCC also revealed plans to shut down the POGO hub with the help of Makati’s licensing office, as some operations are unlicensed, while others are falsely posing as a legitimate call center business.
During the raid, a Chinese national surrendered to authorities and admitted to working for a POGO operation in Porac, Pampanga. Cruz noted that the Chinese national might be able to serve as a witness, as he likely has extensive knowledge of the operation.
"Maganda naman 'yung binabanggit niya kahapon. Sinabi niya na talagang sa POGO siya nagtatrabaho at sinabi na matagal na siya dito sa Pilipinas. Willing na magpadeport nalang raw," Cruz said.
PAOCC aims to shut down all POGOs in the country by the end of the year.
