THE POLICE Regional Office (PRO XI) reiterated the absence of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations in Davao, following the interception of a manager at Francisco Bangoy International Airport on June 23.
During a press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, PRO XI spokesperson Major Catherine dela Rey clarified that the interception was handled solely by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), not the Aviation Security Unit.
“The incident at the airport was strictly an immigration matter,” Dela Rey stated. “We have no details from Avseu or any other group regarding POGO operations in Davao Region.”
TIMES reached out to immigration on Sunday but the BI declined to provide details on the incident. However, GMA News Online reported that the intercepted individual, a Chinese woman identified as the manager of the illegal POGO hub Lucky South 99, was on the BI watchlist.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio noted that Chinese nationals involved in POGO operations often use airports in Clark, Palawan (Puerto Princesa), and Davao.
The intercepted woman will be transferred to Metro Manila for questioning by PAOCC as part of their ongoing investigation.
Despite this incident, PRO XI maintains its stance that no POGO hubs operate within the Davao Region.
