The Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is considering filing lawsuits against local officials in Pasay City for their failure to effectively supervise, leading to the continued operation of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the area.
Winston Casio, the director and spokesperson of PAOCC, stated in a presidential palace press conference on Wednesday that the southern region of Metro Manila has become a major stronghold for illegal POGOs, particularly in Pasay, Parañaque, and Makati cities.
"We have filed lawsuits against some local government units (LGUs) because illegal POGOs are still rampant within their jurisdiction, despite multiple raids by the authorities," Casio said.
He revealed that the government is investigating the responsibilities that Pasay City officials might bear in the continued operation of these illegal enterprises, especially those involved in issuing mayor's permits, business licenses, and related documents. However, he did not specify whether similar legal actions would be taken against officials in Parañaque and Makati.
Casio listed several law enforcement actions taken by the government in Pasay in recent years, including raids on SA Rivendell (located at P. Zamora), Zun Yuan Technology (at the intersection of FB Harrison and William Street), Kimberhi Technology (3D Analyzer POGO operator), and illegal POGOs inside the Heritage Hotel.
"Currently, we are discussing with the Department of Justice and the Ministry of Interior how to advance legal proceedings, and case materials are being collected and organized," Casio added.
