An official from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) warned on Thursday that business owners could lose their properties if they allow illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) to use these properties.
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz, in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, stated that the organization might seek to confiscate said properties.
"It's risky for them because they could lose their properties, as we can initiate criminal forfeiture proceedings against them if they really allow their properties to be used for such illegal activities," he said.
Cruz added that PAOCC could also suggest filing charges and reporting to the authorities the landlords who rent out premises for illegal operations. Meanwhile, Cruz noted that one of the indicators of POGO operations is the presence of foreigners and residents who never leave the seemingly active houses within 24 hours.
"One of the indicators is when they operate at night or midnight, there are foreigners inside. Now, they just order food. Usually, they don't cook," he said.
"Then they increase the internet connection, and then there are many vehicles in the hotel... This is one of the indicators," he added.
He mentioned that concerned citizens could report these situations to the authorities, adding that to protect themselves, informers could choose not to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that a place previously raided by PAOCC in Pasay City is now being used as a shelter for street children.
"A building we previously raided in Metro Manila is now being used as a home for street children," he said.
He stated that this initiative was coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
