The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is investigating a new torture video allegedly linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) in Pampanga.

The video is one of several presented during a meeting led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on July 20, 2024.

According to the PAOCC, they have received 15 torture videos in total, with the latest one now under scrutiny.

“Isa lang ang nadagdag sa bago at ito pa din yung mga dati. Iniimbistigahan na namin yung bago na iyon,” Gilberto Cruz, PAOCC Executive Director, said.

The meeting was attended by various local government officials from the region.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. emphasized the collaboration between national and local agencies to map out and combat illegal activities related to POGOs and scam farms. 

“With all of the visitorial powers here na nasabi given to the national and government agencies, ipagsasama lahat ito para i-map out yung mga illegal activities on the ground,” Abalos said.

Discussions also covered the visitorial powers of local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies, including the Bureau of Fire and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Ang mga local chief executive ay may power na mag-conduct  [ng] inspection, hindi lamang po sa bago or new business with pending business application,” Romeo Benitez, Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, DILG, said.

“Magiging maganda ito para sa mga LGU dahil sabi ni secretary ng DILG, binigyan niya ng linaw kung anong power ng LGU, walang power ang PAGCOR… sila ang may power sa lahat,” Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda said.

Abalos also urged suspended Mayor Alice Guo to face the Senate regarding complaints against her.

“May proseso naman ito eh, in aid of legislation ika nga. Wala namang sinasabing masama umappear ka, ganun lang ka simple ito,” he said.

In response to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s announcement of a POGO ban in his recent State of the Nation Address, a task force comprising various government agencies has been formed to focus on activities against POGOs.