MANILA – The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has ordered the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to seek the freezing of the assets of foreign workers from the raided Philippine Overseas Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who also chairs the PAOCC, asked the AMLC to apply for a freeze or asset preservation order from an appropriate court.
“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," read Bersamin’s memorandum to AMLC Executive Director Matthew David on Thursday.
In a separate memorandum signed and made public on the same day, Bersamin ordered Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco to deport all the 156 foreign nationals in the raided POGO hub.
The first memorandum further stated that the AMLC shall determine, based on the evidence, the specific assets that will be included in the said order, which may include, but are not limited to:
- The whole compound where Lucky South 99 Corp. is located (46 buildings); and
- The vehicles parked within the vicinity of Lucky South 99 Corp. compound.
PAOCC operatives, together with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Special Action Force and the local police carried out a search warrant operation against the Lucky South 99 compound along Friendship Highway in Angeles City on June 4.
The search warrant was issued by the Malolos City Regional Trial Court Branch 14 against the POGO over reports of human trafficking, torture and scam activities taking place within the establishment. (PNA)
