The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in the Philippines has announced that it is nearing the arrest of at least four suspected financiers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), who are reportedly of Chinese and Malaysian-Chinese descent.
During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon (New Philippines Now) briefing, PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio disclosed that the agency is focusing on these financiers and could execute arrests in the coming days or weeks.
“Most of them are Chinese, and some are Malaysian-Chinese. We have a lead,” Casio stated, noting that authorities are closely tracking these individuals while continuing to build strong cases against them.
“We may be able to arrest them in the next few days,” he added.
Casio described these suspects as POGO and “junket financiers,” emphasizing that the evidence against them is substantial, largely due to ongoing surveillance and monitoring.
“I’m certain there are more than just these four. They likely have accomplices, but for now, we’re monitoring these individuals,” he explained.
Despite earlier reports suggesting a significant decline in POGO operations following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ban in July, Casio acknowledged the difficulties in cracking down on those still running illegal underground operations. “There are still a number of these operations, and it has been a challenge to catch up,” he admitted.
The President has ordered the closure of all POGO hubs by the end of the year due to their involvement in criminal activities. Casio assured that the task force would continue its efforts beyond December 31st if necessary.
“Our mandate will continue. Even if some POGOs remain after December, we will pursue them and shut them down,” he concluded.