The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in the Philippines has announced that it is close to arresting at least four suspected financiers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) of Chinese and Malaysian-Chinese descent.
Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon (New Philippines Now) briefing, PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio revealed that the agency is zeroing in on these financiers and could make arrests within days or weeks.
“Most of them are Chinese, and a few are Malaysian-Chinese. So, may we have a lead,” Casio said, noting that they are actively monitoring these individuals and building cases against them.
“In the next few days, maybe we can arrest them,” he added.
Casio referred to these individuals as POGO and “junket financiers,” emphasizing that the evidence against them is strong due to extensive monitoring efforts.
“I’m sure they’re not just four. They have others with them, but, so far, we’re monitoring the four,” he explained.
Despite the PAOCC’s earlier reports that POGO operations have dwindled since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered their ban in July, Casio acknowledged the difficulties in tracking down those still operating underground. “There are quite a few underground operations, and it’s been challenging to catch up,” he admitted.
The President has directed relevant government agencies to shut down all POGO hubs by the end of this year due to their links to criminal activities. Casio assured that the task force would continue its operations beyond December 31st if needed.
“We will continue our mandate. Assuming that some POGOs will remain beyond December, we will still go after them and shut them down,” he concluded.
