PNP-ACG conducts raid on Century Peak Tower, sparks controversy over release of foreign suspects

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) conducted a raid at the Century Peak Tower in Manila on October 29 to counter cybercriminal activities.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna was informed of the raid as it began, but the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) disowned the operation, stating that it was flawed because foreign suspects were released.

The NCRPO clarified that the primary objective of the raid was to execute cyber warrants and not an anti-human trafficking operation, which means the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking was not involved.

The Bureau of Immigration bears no responsibility for any subsequent release of these individuals as this falls under judicial procedures associated with cybercrime enforcement.

Manila Mayor Lacuna instructed POGO operators to start winding down operations by notifying building owners and employees, supporting President Marcos's directive for all POGOs to be shut down by December 31.