Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Chairman of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), has asked the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to apply for a freeze order from the relevant court for the assets of foreign workers arrested during the raid on illegal POGOs in Porac, Pampanga.
The statement was quoted from news agencies in the Philippines, as Bersamin presented his request to AMLC Executive Director Matthew David.
David said: “The application shall cover all assets within the compound where Lucky South 99 Corp. is situated that are linked to unlawful activity as defined by R.A. No. 9160, as amended."
Bersamin has also requested that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco deport all 156 foreigners arrested during the illegal POGOs raid.
The raid, which also garnered the attention of Philippines state representatives, was made in early June 2024, after receiving reports of human trafficking, torture and scam activities being conducted within the mentioned compound, which was owned by an illegal offshore gaming operator.
In the wake of the raid, the Philippines’ DOLE has sworn to tighten their screening process of foreign work applicants.
Meanwhile, suspended Mayor Alice Guo has requested a fair investigation into the allegations linking her to the crimes, since the criminal activities had happened in an area under her jurisdiction and there had been rumors of an information leak before the raid.
