PAOCC personnel, witnesses get death threats amid POGO probe

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) personnel and witnesses in its illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) probe have been receiving death threats.

PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz stated that while threats might be part of the job for their staff, he expressed concern for witnesses, fearing it could compromise their cases.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio previously stated that they believe the threats are intended only to intimidate, and personnel are exercising increased vigilance.

The PAOCC has been instrumental in recent major raids on POGO hubs involved in criminal activities, leading to the rescue of hundreds of individuals who were victims of torture and kidnapping.

Casio emphasized that PAOCC is primarily a civilian agency with police personnel acting as intelligence officers and they typically do not use weapons during raids.