The Presidential-Anti Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is not sure if the owners of the scam hub are among the over 400 foreigners caught during a raid in Pasay City on Wednesday.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Manila, PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio said they are still trying to identify if the bosses of the scam hub are among the 401 foreigners who were arrested during the operation.
The scam hub occupied a five-storey condominium building in Pasay City is suspected to be a remnant of the now- banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
Casio said, “If we can identify those who are truly responsible, such as managers and team leaders, they may face charges.”
The raid was conducted jointly by the PAOCC, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pasay City.
According to Casio, the suspects will be deported, but their immigration status is still being investigated.
If found to have violated Philippine laws, specifically immigration laws and Executive Order No. 74 series of 2024, which bans POGO in the country, they may face prosecution.
The 401 foreign nationals apprehended consisted of 207 Chinese, 132 Vietnamese, 24 Koreans, 11 Malaysians, 14 Indonesians, 12 Burmese, and one Madagascar national.
There were also Filipino workers but most were assigned in the kitchen and other household chores.
The foreign nationals are allegedly involved in operating love scams, investment scams, and cryptocurrency schemes victimizing clients in the Philippines and other countries.
(PAOCC photo)
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.