Freezing of Porac POGO assets ordered
The Philippine Star|June 21, 2024
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has ordered the freezing and preservation of assets of the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga, that was recently raided by police.
DAPHNE GALVEZ

In a memorandum addressed to Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Matthew David, PAOCC chairman Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered the council to apply for a freeze order or asset preservation 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 RA 9160, as amended," the memorandum read.

The AMLC is likewise tasked to determine, based on the evidence, the specific assets that will be included in the application, which may include the whole compound where Lucky South 99 Corp. is located (46 buildings) and the vehicles parked within the vicinity of Lucky South 99 compound.

Authorities have found illegal drugs and various instruments of torture, including baseball bats and metal sticks, which police believe were used to torture people, inside the estimated 10-hectare Lucky South compound.

Four foreigners - three men and a woman who were among the 160 foreign nationals rounded up in the POGO hub said they were victims of torture.

This story is from the June 21, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.

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This story is from the June 21, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.

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