Makati Ground Zero POGO center raided! A Chinese national surrenders!

On the evening of March 6, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), together with the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Makati City Government, conducted a joint operation and raided the Ground Zero Building in Ayala, Makati, targeting a suspected POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) center. However, by the time law enforcement arrived, the POGO center was already deserted, and the suspects had fled the scene. Authorities are still investigating how these employees managed to escape before the raid. During the raid, law enforcement officers discovered mobile phones and pre-registered SIM cards. Additionally, authorities found scripts on how to operate scam centers, cryptocurrency, and investment frauds. Gilbert Cruz from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission stated, "These scripts were written in English. Of course, they were read by English-speaking Filipino employees. According to our witnesses, they are Filipinos." Cruz emphasized that these employees also had a training room specifically for teaching Filipinos scamming techniques. A Chinese national surrenders Meanwhile, a Chinese national surrendered to the authorities after the raid. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission reported that this foreign national voluntarily surrendered after the raid and claimed to be an employee of a POGO in Porac, Pampanga. During an interview, Cruz mentioned, "He appeared here during our raid of this building and proactively approached us, so he definitely has some knowledge about the online gambling operations here." According to Cruz, they have yet to verify whether this foreign national had been abused or was a victim of human trafficking. Cruz stated, "We will check his documents to confirm if he is indeed a victim of human trafficking and whether he entered the country with legal documents." Cruz mentioned that this Chinese national might serve as a witness in court, as he might have extensive knowledge about the online gambling operations.