PAOCC warns owners vs. renting properties to illegal POGOs

Establishment owners could lose their properties if they allow these to be used by illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), an official of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) warned Thursday.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said the organization may seek the forfeiture of the said properties.

“Medyo delikado po ‘yan para sa kanila baka mawala ‘yung property nila kasi pwede po namin file-an ng criminal forfeiture ‘yan kung talagang inallow nila na ipagamit ‘yung kanilang property or resort nila para sa mga ganitong activity,” he said.

(That’s risky for them since they may lose their property because we could file a criminal forfeiture case against them if they truly allowed the use of their property or resort for these kinds of illegal activity.)

Cruz added PAOCC could also recommend the filing of charges against owners who rent their establishment for illegal operations to the appropriate authorities.

Meanwhile, Cruz said one of the indicators of a POGO operation is the presence of foreigners and when residents never leave a house that appears to be active for a 24 hour period.

“Isa sa mga indicators is nag o-operate po sila gabi, madaling araw, tapos may mga foreigners po sa loob. Ngayon nag papa deliver na lang sila ng pagkain. Kadalasan hindi na sila nag luluto,” he said.

(One of the indicators is when they are operating at night or midnight, and there are foreigners inside. Now, they are just ordering food. Usually, they no longer cook their meals.

“Tapos po nag papadagdag sila ng internet connection and then nakikita nila maraming sasakyan… ‘yun yung isa sa mga indicators,” he added.

(And then they increase their internet connection and then there are many vehicles at the property… That's one of the indicators.)

He said concerned citizens may report these to authorities, adding that those reporting may choose not to remain anonymous for their protection.

Meanwhile, he said that one of the establishments that was previously raided by PAOCC in Pasay City is now being used as a shelter for street children.

“‘Yung iba pong building na nahuli natin before ay nagagamit na po natin like ‘yung isang nahuli natin dito sa Metro Manila ginagamit na po nating parang tahanan po ng mga nakukuhang street children,” he said.

(One of the buildings that we raided before in Metro Manila is now being used as the home of street children.)

He said the initiative is being done in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). —RF, GMA Integrated News