PBCom's office was raided while the air conditioning was still running! 600 employees "vanished into thin air"

The President of the Philippines' Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), in collaboration with the National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Makati City Government, recently raided an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub located in the PBCOM Tower on Ayala Avenue. However, when law enforcement entered the premises, the office was deserted, although the air conditioning was still running.

The operation targeted multiple floors of the PBCOM Tower, including the 45th, 46th, and 51st floors, where approximately 600 Philippine and foreign employees were expected to be found. However, it appears the suspects had evacuated in advance. Law enforcement found a large number of mobile phones, registered SIM cards, and scripts for fraud operations at the scene. Analysis revealed that these English scripts were prepared for Filipino employees, and there were eyewitnesses who confirmed that scam training had taken place there previously.

Deputy Minister of PAOCC, Gilbert Cruz, stated that although no suspects were caught on-site, the raid was still significant. He noted that authorities would review the operation, investigate whether intelligence had been leaked in advance, and accelerate efforts to track down the masterminds. Additionally, the government is expanding its investigation to thoroughly dismantle this illegal network.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio emphasized the government's unwavering determination to combat illegal POGO operations, with the goal of completely banning such operators by the end of 2025.

It is understood that at the height of the POGO business, about 20 floors of the 50-story PBCOM Tower were leased by POGO companies, and this raid is another significant measure by the Philippine government to strengthen industry regulation and curb related crimes.

Law enforcement agencies are calling on the public to provide tips to help capture fugitives and maintain national security and social stability.