THE raids took investigators into sprawling compounds in Manila, Bamban in Tarlac, Clark Field and Porac in Pampanga, where they encountered hundreds of workers, rows of computers, and layers of companies. Authorities said some of the sites were linked to online scams and other criminal activity.
For nearly three years, former Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) director Winnie Quidato and former spokesperson Winston Casio worked on government operations targeting Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), and investigations into alleged human trafficking and organized crime.
The two later documented their experiences in the book titled ‘The Rogue Compound: Pogos, Human Trafficking, and the Fight to Reclaim the Philippines,’ which was launched last week.
The book recounts their work at the Paocc from 2023 to 2025, when government operations targeting Pogo compounds were followed by congressional and Senate inquiries into the industry, including allegations of human trafficking, online fraud, money laundering, and organized crime.
The book recounts the authors’ experiences investigating Pogos, including how cases were developed and what investigators learned from the operations.
Government investigations and legislative inquiries have examined regulatory oversight, corporate structures, financial transactions, and allegations of trafficking, online fraud, and other crimes.
Casio said they are also working on another book focusing on the arrest and detention of Pogo personalities during their time at the commission.
‘May kasunod pa kaming sinusulat para sa gustong malaman ang kuwento sa pagkakahuli at pagkakulong sa ilang POGO personalities noong mga panahon na iyon,’ he said.