INTRAMUROS, Manila — Amidst reports that there are some Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who have converted to 'guerilla' operations in remote areas of the country, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) warned establishment owners could lose their properties if they allow their facilities to be used for such purposes.

In a radio interview, PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz announced that they may seek the forfeiture of properties that will be used for clandestine operations of illegal POGOs.
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“Medyo delikado po ‘yan para sa kanila baka mawala iyong property nila kasi puwede po namin file-an ng criminal forfeiture ‘yan kung talagang in-allow nila na ipagamit iyong kanilang property or resort nila para sa mga ganitong activity,” Cruz stressed.

The anti-organized crime czar added that PAOCC could also recommend the filing of charges against those owners who rent out their establishment for illegal operations.

To expound on his warning, Cruz spelled out that one of the indicators of a POGO operation is the presence of foreigners and when residents never leave a house that appears to be active for a 24-hour period.

“Isa sa mga indicators is nag o-operate po sila gabi, madaling araw, tapos may mga foreigners po sa loob. Ngayon nag papa deliver na lang sila ng pagkain. Kadalasan hindi na sila nag luluto,” he described.

“Tapos po nag papadagdag sila ng internet connection and then nakikita nila maraming sasakyan . . . iyon iyong isa sa mga indicators,” he added.

The PAOCC chief called on concerned citizens to report suspicious operation to the authorities with the assurance that those reporting may choose to emain anonymous have their identities hidden for their protection.