Hontiveros warns of legal consequences for leaking POGO raids

Sen. Risa Hontiveros warned that individuals or groups leaking planned government raids on Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) would face legal consequences.

Hontiveros issued this warning after reports surfaced that a raid of a Pogo in Porac, Pampanga was leaked, allowing many workers to escape before authorities arrived.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, headed by Hontiveros, is determined to investigate the leak thoroughly.

PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio confirmed that information about the raid may have been leaked, leading to the arrest of only 158 Chinese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian nationals instead of the expected over 1,000.

Hontiveros emphasized that the raids have exposed repeated and serious crimes associated with Pogos, including scamming, torture, and human trafficking.

The senator commended PAOCC's operations against illegal POGOs but stressed that anyone colluding with Chinese syndicates will be held accountable to ensure justice for victims.