By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Spokesperson Winston John Casio stated that some personnel have received death threats amid the ongoing investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs.
“Yes, we have received some threats. We believe these are just scare tactics, but nonetheless, we are always on the lookout,” Casio said when asked about the threats.
“We have to be careful, so to speak. It’s difficult,” he added.
PAOCC was involved in raid operations at some POGO hubs in the country, with Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz stating there are over 300 illegal POGO hubs nationwide.
Casio emphasized that PAOCC is a civilian agency and does not use weapons in conducting operations.
“We are a civilian agency, not an operating unit. We do not have armed personnel,” he clarified.
“The raids we conducted were mostly about coordination and case management to ensure that the cases are above board and properly filed against those behind these operations,” he added.
(el Amigo/mnm)