The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in the Philippines announced that it now nears the arrest of at least four suspected POGO financiers. These suspects reportedly include individuals of Chinese and Malaysian-Chinese descent.
During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon (New Philippines Now) briefing, PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio confirmed that the agency remains focused on these financiers. He stated that authorities could carry out arrests within the next few days or weeks.
“Most of them are Chinese, and some are Malaysian-Chinese. We have a lead,” Casio said. He explained that law enforcement continues to track these individuals while actively building solid cases against them.
“We may be able to arrest them in the next few days,” he added.
Casio identified the suspects as both POGO and junket financiers. He stressed that the task force possesses substantial evidence against them, thanks largely to continuous surveillance and monitoring efforts.
“I’m certain there are more than just these four,” he noted. “They likely have accomplices, but for now, we’re closely monitoring these specific individuals.”
Although earlier reports suggested a significant drop in POGO activity after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a shutdown order in July, Casio acknowledged ongoing difficulties in eliminating the remaining underground operations.
“There are still a number of these operations,” he admitted. “And it has been a challenge to catch up.”
President Marcos ordered the closure of all POGO hubs by the end of the year due to their links to various criminal activities. Casio reassured the public that the task force will continue its operations beyond the deadline if necessary.
“Our mandate will continue,” he said. “Even if some POGOs remain after December, we will pursue them and shut them down.”
