The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) disclosed that members of the organization have been receiving death threats while conducting investigations into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs.
As a result, PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio stated that the organization is being vigilant and taking precautions to prevent potential incidents.
The PAOCC has been instrumental in making significant arrests at POGO hubs engaged in illegal activities, such as those in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga. These operations led to the rescue of numerous Filipinos and other nationals, including Chinese, Malaysians, and Vietnamese, some of whom had experienced abuse and kidnapping.
Additionally, the raids resulted in the apprehension of some foreign individuals. Despite this, Casio emphasized that the PAOCC is a civilian agency and that its analysts seldom use weapons during raids.
The PAOCC stated that around 300 POGOs are operating unlawfully in the country and are not complying with regulations set by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
