PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio
On September 3, according to Winston Casio, spokesperson for the Philippine President's Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Zao Lao, a Chinese businessman suspected of operating an illegal gambling center in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, has attempted to bribe officials multiple times in exchange for his freedom.
In an interview on September 2, Casio stated that since the raid on August 31, Zao Lao has tried to bribe him three times, with two of these attempts being recorded by BNC senior reporter Nancy Carvajal. Casio explicitly refused Zao's bribery attempts, emphasizing that he was "caught red-handed."
The raid was conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Region 7 in coordination with PAOCC, the Bureau of Immigration, and military intelligence units, targeting several halls within the resort. The operation rescued 162 foreign nationals forced to work and successfully dismantled three scam companies.
Furthermore, Zao Lao and four other Chinese managers will face criminal charges. The raid also uncovered photos of Zao Lao and his son with Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos, which may prompt further investigations.
