Assets linked to POGO in Lapu-Lapu frozen

Local

ASSETS that were found linked to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Lapu-Lapu City have been frozen following a major crackdown by authorities.

The raid, conducted on August 31, at the Tourist Garden Hotel in Barangay Agus, exposed human trafficking and unlicensed gaming operations.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who chairs the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), signed a memorandum on September 4, directing the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to secure a court order for freezing assets associated with the illegal POGO activities.

AMLC Executive Director Matthew David received instructions to apply for a freeze or provisional asset preservation order.

The freeze order applies to the entire Tourist Garden Hotel complex, including 13 buildings and 12 vehicles connected to the illegal operations.

This action aims to prevent the continuation of illicit activities while investigations proceed.

During the raid, authorities rescued 169 foreign nationals, many of whom were allegedly held captive and forced to work for the illegal POGO operation.

Among those arrested, 16 foreigners and one Filipino face human trafficking charges. The detainees have been moved to Manila for legal proceedings and potential deportation.

Earlier, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan has ordered the closure of the Tourist Garden Hotel and other businesses on the premises.

The hotel, which lacked necessary permits, had been operating as a front for illegal online gaming.

This crackdown aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to end all POGO operations in the country by the end of the year.

In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Marcos stressed the need to eliminate POGO operations due to their connections with crime, including human trafficking and fraud.

Chan reaffirmed Lapu-Lapu City’s commitment to combating illegal POGO activities and pledged to continue identifying and closing down any remaining illegal POGO hubs in the area.(MyTVCebu)