PAOCC to implement 'safety nets' after targets escape Makati POGO raid

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is set to implement stricter “safety nets” after authorities found no employees during a raid at a Makati building allegedly linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) scam activities.

"Gagawa na tayo ng mga safety nets natin. Dati naman kasing talagang ganyan, hindi naman natin maiiwasan. Minsan, mayroong talaga, may kakaliwa ang isipan na magsusumbong dun sa mga ire-raid natin. Pero siguro sa sususnod mas magiging maingat na tayo," PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(We will put safety nets in place. We can’t always avoid situations where someone tips off the targets before a raid. But we will be more cautious moving forward.)

Cruz said discussions are ongoing on whether the building owner could be held liable.

"Pag uusapan ni Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin kasi legal na po yung labanan dyan. Aside from closure order na pinataw ng Makati Business Permit and Licensing Office, ano pa ba yung administrative or criminal sanction ang pwede ipataw sa mga administration ng building," he said.

(Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will discuss this matter since it is now a legal issue. Aside from the closure order issued by the Makati Business Permit and Licensing Office, we will explore possible administrative or criminal sanctions against the building's management.)

He also noted concerns over the building’s security agency, pointing out inconsistencies in access records. The last recorded entry was at 4 p.m., but when PAOCC raided all 21 floors at 6 p.m., no personnel were present.

Mass deportation of POGO workers

Cruz revealed that PAOCC was aiming to deport over 1,000 POGO workers within the next two to three weeks.

Since last year, 30 foreign POGO workers have surrendered to PAOCC, including seven Indonesian nationals who surrendered earlier this week.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration reported that out of the 518 POGO workers arrested this year, 121 have already been deported. — DVM, GMA Integrated News