The Philippines National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating a complaint about an alleged illegal transfer of farmland in Bataan to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
According to the Philippine News Agency, 20 farmers have given statements and documents claiming that parcels of land were transferred to a private company engaged in POGO activities, with links to former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
The farmers claim the land ownership transfers took place without the required government clearance.
The NBI has indicated that the documents may have been falsified, “raising serious concerns over the legality and validity of the transactions”.
Authorities are building a case to identify possible culprits who “may be held criminally liable”.
Back in late November 2024, authorities raided a POGO facility in the freeport zone of Bataan. The operator of the Central One facility refuted claims of being an offshore operator and condemned the raid as unlawful.
POGOs have been officially banned by presidential decree, with subsequent legislation enforced, aimed at preventing the resurgence of the offshore sector.
