PAOCC: FREEZE ASSETS OF PORAC POGO
THE Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) ordered the freezing of the assets of the Lucky South 99 and Corp. and the rest of the Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in Porac, Pampanga.
In a memorandum dated June 20, Paocc Chairman and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Matthew David to determine, based on the evidence, the specific assets that would be included in the directive.
“The AMLC is hereby directed to apply for a freeze order or a provisional asset preservation order from the appropriate court,” Bersamin 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 RA 9160, as amended,” he added.
Bersamin specifically mentioned all 46 buildings within the compound located in Porac, Pampanga,
as well as vehicles parked within the vicinity.
The Porac POGO hub was raided following the release of victims being tortured.
During the raid, authorities found illegal drugs and evidence of torture.
“We are proceeding with the summary deportation of all foreign nationals found in the Lucky South 99 raid. Also, we will proceed with the preservation order of the Lucky South 99 property,” Paocc spokesman Winston Casio said.
In another memorandum, Bersamin directed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco to facilitate the deportation of the foreigners apprehended and transferred to a detention facility in Pasay City.
“This shall not in any way cover the individuals identified and recommended for criminal prosecution by concerned law enforcement agencies,” Bersamin said.