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POGO employee allegedly assaulted by PAOCC agents

Mark Ernest Villeza - The Philippine Star
POGO employee allegedly assaulted by PAOCC agents
A raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga on June 24, 2024.
STAR / Jesse Bustos

MANILA, Philippines — An employee working at One Central Bataan was allegedly assaulted by members of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) during a raid on Oct. 31, the company’s legal representative said yesterday.

Cherry Anne dela Cruz, legal counsel for One Central Bataan, said the employee, who had previously been slapped by former PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio, was also punched by another PAOCC member during the operation. 

Previous reports said the employee is a Filipino janitor who had hurled invectives and flashed the dirty finger at the raiders.

The raid reportedly targeted the company on grounds of suspected human trafficking and other alleged violations, but company officials have questioned the grounds and conduct of the raid.

“One of our employees was physically mistreated – first slapped by Mr. Casio, and then punched by another PAOCC member,” Dela Cruz said at a forum in Quezon City, disclosing that they are filing charges to hold those responsible accountable.

“Our employees, many of whom are young and dedicated professionals, should never have had to experience such intimidation and violence at their workplace,” she added.

For Dela Cruz, the raid, which involved the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and other agencies, was “excessive and traumatic” for employees.

“They brought in hundreds of law enforcers, all in full tactical gear, and none of them wore body cameras,” she said.

“We employ a lot of young people, and they were shocked to see heavily armed officers at their workplace without any sign of illegal activity on their part,” she added.

Dela Cruz further expressed concern about the discrepancies between the search warrant and the raid’s focus.

The warrant cited human trafficking, but when the PAOCC entered, agency members allegedly accused the company of lacking a secondary license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and claimed that it was engaged in gambling, according to the counsel.

“There was no connection between what they were investigating and the license issue they raised, which makes the raid legally questionable,” Dela Cruz said.

She emphasized that One Central Bataan is a registered business process outsourcing (BPO) company, with licenses issued by the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).

“We are not a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) or gambling entity. We hold a BPO license from the FAB, and that is the only operation we pursue,” she explained.

She noted that the company received a separate gaming license from the FAB in 2023, but decided against activating it following the nationwide ban on POGOs earlier this year.

During the raid, 41 foreign nationals employed by the company were detained, although authorities initially reported that there were over 300.

Dela Cruz clarified that all the foreign workers have proper work permits and visas.

She added that they have verified that the foreign nationals are legally employed and compliant with FAB requirements for BPO operations.

Adding to the concerns about the raid, Dela Cruz said they have closed-circuit television footage showing one PAOCC agent pocketing an employee’s cell phone.

“This incident has been reported to the CIDG, and we expect a full investigation,” she added.

Dela Cruz also emphasized that many employees felt threatened during the raid, noting that one pregnant employee reported being forced out of her room at gunpoint, despite posing no threat.

“This was a clear case of overreach, and our employees deserve better,” she said.

The company, according to Dela Cruz, plans to file a motion to quash the search warrant in the Malolos, Bulacan court today.

Additionally, the employee who was allegedly assaulted plans to file charges for slander by deed and physical injuries against Casio and another PAOCC member.

“Public officials have a responsibility to maintain a higher level of control,” Dela Cruz said, adding that their conduct during the raid showed a lack of restraint that was simply unacceptable. 

In a related development, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday said it supports President Marcos’ Executive Order 74, which implements an immediate ban on POGOs and all related offshore and internet gaming activities nationwide.

In a statement, the PNP emphasized that the measure aligns with its commitment to “enhancing national security, maintaining public order and protecting communities” from the negative impacts associated with POGOs.

The PNP cited issues such as increased crime rates, social instability and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals as key reasons for its support of the ban. — Cecille Suerte Felipe

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