Following the criticism of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) by Central One, the PAOCC has once again been embroiled in controversy. A PAOCC staff member involved in the raid on Central One was caught on camera stealing a mobile phone during the operation, adding another disgraceful record to the already questioned PAOCC.
On November 13, during the raid on Central One, surveillance footage showed the PAOCC staff member casually pocketing a mobile phone from a desk and quickly leaving. The owner of the phone soon noticed and stopped him, forcing the man to return the phone.
Upon verification, the man was confirmed to be a PAOCC staff member and has been suspended and is under investigation. PAOCC Deputy Minister Gilbert Cruz stated: "The man is one of our drivers, and theft is absolutely unacceptable. An investigation has been launched against him, and depending on the situation, he may be handed over for judicial processing."
In addition to the theft, during the same operation, PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio was caught on camera slapping an employee under investigation, and the video was uploaded to the internet, causing public dissatisfaction. Casio was subsequently dismissed and issued a public apology.
This time, the PAOCC and the Philippine National Police jointly conducted a surprise search on Central One, accusing the company of illegal online gambling and fraud activities. The 42 foreigners arrested during the operation were granted bail on November 6, but the Presidential Office ordered the deportation of all foreign nationals involved on November 13.
