Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞: 𝐏𝐀𝐎𝐂𝐂 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐀𝐏 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐨 𝐉𝐫. 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), led by Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., joined Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. during the Security Situation and Information Briefing at the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) in Camp Servillano A. Aquino, Tarlac City, on May 5, 2026.

The activity highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening national security, military readiness, and inter-agency collaboration in addressing emerging security concerns and organized criminal activities.

Upon arrival, SAP Lagdameo, Usec. Acorda, together with PAOCC Director Angel Madarang and Director Teofilo Bailon Jr., were received by NOLCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Aristotle D. Gonzales and key AFP officials. The delegation participated in key leader engagements, guest book signing, and operational briefings covering the current security situation, operational priorities, and updates on Balikatan 41-2026.

The delegation likewise visited the Command Operations Center to observe operational coordination and monitoring capabilities, followed by an inspection of the Camp Aquino Station Hospital to assess the welfare and medical services provided to military personnel.

The activity concluded with an awarding ceremony and talk to troops at Cordillera Hall, where PAOCC reaffirmed its continued support and collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in safeguarding national security and promoting public safety through a whole-of-government approach.

𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨!

Taos - pusong pagkilala at pagpapahalaga sa inyong sipag, dedikasyon, at sakripisyo na nagdudulot ng malaki at malawak na kontribusyon sa ekonomiya ng ating bansa.

Ang bawat isa sa inyo na mangagagawa sa alin mang sektor ng komunidad ay talaga namang maituturing na bagong bayani ng kasalukuyang henerasyon. Kaya’t isang matikas na saludo ang pabaon sa inyo ng Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Mabuhay po kayo, mga mangagagawang Pilipino!

𝐈𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐒𝐀𝐄𝐂 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞; 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐝

On the afternoon of April 28, 2026, the authorities in Iligan City, in close coordination with local and international counterparts, carried out an inter-agency law enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspect found to be peddling Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) online, and offering vulnerable minors as cam performers to paying individuals in exchange for live access to virtual exploitative sessions. Two minor victims were subsequently rescued, while the suspect remains in police custody.

The inter-agency operation was led by a composite team comprising key law enforcement and government agencies from both local and national levels, in close coordination with international counterparts. The team includes Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) Task Force Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), PNP–Iligan City Investigation and Detective Management Unit (CIDMU), PNP–Iligan City Police Station 2 (ICPS 2), PNP–Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division 10 (RIDMD 10), and PNP–Women and Children Protection Center Mobile Force Unit (WCPC–MFU).

Also part of the operation were international counterparts from the Netherlands National Police Corps, the Australian Federal Police, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, and the International Justice Mission in the Philippines. While on the Philippine side, includes the Local Government of Iligan City, DOJ–Iligan City Prosecutor’s Office and the DOJ–Regional Anti-Child Online Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force (RACETTF), alongside social welfare partners from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 10 (DSWD 10) and the Iligan City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD), with the support from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

The victims, identified as the suspect's biological younger sister and niece, aged 3 and 12 years old, respectively. Both were brought to the Iligan City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Children Assessment and Processing Center to ensure their immediate welfare and recovery.

Authorities revealed that the suspect was actively soliciting foreign clients through social media platforms, offering indecent and explicit materials, including pornographic images and videos of minors, in exchange for monetary compensation.

The suspect was identified by the alias “Gisselle” and is currently detained at the PNP–Iligan City Police Station 2 and now facing criminal charges under Republic Act No. 11930, otherwise known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act (CSAEM) Act.

In the shadows of the digital world, children are being robbed of their innocence every single day, behind closed doors and hidden screens. Their futures were stolen by those who see them not as human beings, but as commodities. The government will not tolerate such inhumane and despicable acts and will relentlessly pursue individuals who dare to exploit the defenseless children of our country.

The PAOCC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting government agencies in their mandate to protect the most vulnerable members of society, particularly our children, and will not rest until every avenue of exploitation is dismantled and every perpetrator is brought to justice.

𝐏𝐀𝐎𝐂𝐂, 𝐎𝐒𝐆 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

On April 23, 2026, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), through its Executive Director, Undersecretary Benjamin C Acorda, Jr., held a coordination meeting with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), led by Assistant Solicitor General Sharon E. Millan-Decano, at the PAOCC Conference Room, 4th Floor, PCTC Building, Camp BGen Rafael Crame, Quezon City.

The meeting agenda focused on finalizing the draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two agencies, marking a significant step toward strengthening inter-agency collaboration through a more structured legal and institutional framework. It likewise underscored the alignment of coordinated legal strategies and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the effective, efficient, and unified handling of POGO-related cases.

This collaboration is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and coherence of legal actions by ensuring faster coordination, clearer legal direction, and more effective case handling. This will also help eliminate procedural delays, reinforce the government’s capacity to pursue complex cases, and ensure that enforcement efforts are fully supported by a solid and responsive legal framework.
Undersecretary Benjamin C Acorda Jr., Executive Director of PAOCC, stated in his message, “This initiative marks only the beginning of a strengthened partnership between the PAOCC and OSG, with a shared goal of streamlining legal processes and procedures in dismantling various organized and transnational crimes.”

CIDG’s STRATEGIC STEP TOWARD POLICE EXCELLENCE

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) marks a significant milestone in its transformation journey with the oath-taking of its newest Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (AGPTD) members on April 24, 2026.

The CIDG is deeply honored to have Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B Magalong- former Director of CIDG; former Chief of the Philippine National Police and now the Executive Director of Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC)- PGEN/USEC Benjamin C Acorda Jr.(Ret.), and PMGen Roberto B Fajardo(Ret.), Deputy Executive Director of PAOCC join this multi-sectoral body.

Their commitment ensures that the CIDG continues to uphold the highest standards of transparency and professional service for the Filipino people.

The CIDG extends its heartfelt gratitude to these distinguished leaders for accepting the call to serve as our partners in reform.

Their combined expertise in high-level investigation and governance is a powerful asset and their wealth of experience—spanning high-level criminal investigation, national intelligence, and local governance—is an invaluable asset to the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030. Their willingness to provide external oversight and strategic guidance reinforces our shared commitment to "Seek the Truth" and deliver justice that is truly felt by every Filipino.

Other distinguished members of the CIDG’s AGPTD are PGEN Dionardo B Carlos, former Chief of the Philippine National Police; PMGEN Gilberto D Cruz (Ret.), Administrator of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS); PMGEN Joel Napoleon M Coronel (Ret.) former CIDG Director and Deputy Marshal for Luzon, Supreme Court of the Philippines; PMGEN Ronald O Lee (Ret.), former Director of CIDG, now the Administrator of Bauang LGU; Dr. Anabel D. Riva, PhD, Dean, Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST); ,

MR. Ronillo S. Ingalla, Proprietor, Arts and Craft; and
Mr. Elipidio "Deo” M. Macalma, Vice President and Station Manager of DZRH Manila Broadcasting.
Together, we move forward with integrity and a renewed dedication to public service.
We are CIDG. We Seek The Truth.

𝐁𝐎𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬; 𝐃𝐀 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐎𝐄 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐒𝐦𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐂-𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐂

On April 27, 2026, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) convened the 126th Regular Meeting of the National Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee–Sub-Committee on Organized Crime (NALECC–SCOC), hosted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) with support from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Energy (DOE), at the Nasdake Building, 50 Williams Street, corner FB Harrison, Pasay City.

In the welcoming remarks, PAOCC Deputy Executive Director Roberto B. Fajardo emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach and sustained inter-agency collaboration in intensifying the government campaigns against economic sabotage, illegal smuggling operations, and illicit trade activities, reaffirming the collective efforts of key frontline agencies in safeguarding the welfare of the Filipino People and the integrity of the national economy of the country.

During the presentation of the agenda, the BOC provided a detailed account of its operational accomplishments in dismantling smuggling operations across all ports nationwide. Through its relentless dedication, the Bureau carried out a total of 474 enforcement and intelligence operations from January 2026 to March 2026, resulting in the successful confiscation and seizure of regulated and prohibited goods valued at approximately PHP 7.67 billion. At the same time, the DA and DOE also provided comprehensive briefings outlining both agencies' initiatives to curb agricultural economic sabotage and their regulatory and enforcement functions to combat illicit activities related to energy resources.

This coordinated effort among key government agencies delivers a clear and compelling message that the Philippine government remains vigilant, proactive, and unwavering in its commitment to safeguard the welfare of its people and secure the nation’s economic stability.

In his message, Undersecretary Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., Executive Director of PAOCC, highlighted the need for a consolidated effort and joint interventions by various government agencies to safeguard the country's national interest, particularly in addressing economic sabotage, smuggling, and illicit trade.

Thirty-six hours. That was all the time the police had to file charges after raiding an online scam centre in the Philippines last year.

With support from UNODC through the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), new procedures are now in place to ensure a rights-based, victim-centred response to online scam operations. These procedures strengthen how victims are repatriated, evidence is gathered, perpetrators are prosecuted and assets are recovered.

Today, the former scam centre has been converted into the PAOCC headquarters, with part of the site transformed into a community kitchen which can serve around 700 people a day.

𝗕𝗜𝗥, 𝗣𝗔𝗢𝗖𝗖 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗙𝗬 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗔𝗫 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) met to strengthen coordination against organized crime activities that undermine fair trade, consumer protection, and government revenues.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza and PAOCC Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr., together with Assistant Commissioner James H. Roldan of the Enforcement and Advocacy Service and Ms. Yeziahara Sanchez of PAOCC, discussed rising tax noncompliance in the digital space, including online selling and emerging payment channels.
To strengthen enforcement, the BIR and PAOCC are exploring advanced tools such as data and blockchain analytics, while coordinating with key agencies including the Bureau of Customs, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Commissioner Mendoza said these efforts aim to close enforcement gaps, enhance intelligence-sharing, improve joint operations, protect government revenues, and help ensure a level playing field for compliant taxpayers.

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐔𝐍𝐎𝐃𝐂-𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐎𝐏 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐎 𝟕𝟒 (𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐏𝐎𝐆𝐎 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓)

The Office of the Executive Secretary and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), joined key government agencies in the ceremonial signing of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Executive Order No. 74. This landmark directive mandates the immediate and comprehensive ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), internet gaming, and other offshore gaming activities in the country.

Among the participating agencies were the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of the Treasury, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice (DOJ), DOJ Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons, DOJ Office of Cybercrime, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, Office of the Solicitor General, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The ceremony was presided over by PAOCC Chairman and Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto at Bonifacio Hall, Malacañang Palace in Manila.
The newly adopted SOP framework establishes a unified and coordinated set of regulatory and operational guidelines for government and law enforcement agencies. It is designed to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of illegal offshore gaming operations and their associated crimes. The SOPs are also proposed for integration into the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025.

Beyond enforcement, the SOPs provide structured protocols for asset preservation, management of seized properties, and streamlined prosecution processes. Importantly, they promote a victim-centered approach, ensuring protection, assistance, and rehabilitation for individuals affected by human trafficking schemes linked to illegal POGO activities.

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐎𝐆𝐎𝐬

Recent high-profile law enforcement operations targeting major POGO and scam hubs in areas such as Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga, have exposed extensive organized criminal activities. Authorities uncovered alarming patterns of abuse, including large-scale human trafficking, severe torture, unlawful detention, and widespread cyber-enabled fraud. These developments underscored the urgent need for decisive and coordinated state intervention.

In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a firm policy directive during his State of the Nation Address in July 2024 to ban offshore gaming operations nationwide. This directive was formally institutionalized through Executive Order No. 74, signed on November 5, 2024, effectively enforcing a comprehensive prohibition on POGOs.
To operationalize this mandate, PAOCC led a whole-of-government effort to harmonize enforcement strategies across agencies. This initiative was strengthened through sustained inter-agency collaboration and international cooperation, with UNODC providing technical expertise and the Department of Justice contributing critical legal guidance.

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The ceremonial adoption of the SOPs marks a significant milestone in the Philippine government’s ongoing efforts to combat organized and transnational crime. It reflects a strengthened institutional framework and a deepened commitment to inter-agency coordination in addressing the evolving threats posed by illegal online gambling and related criminal enterprises.

PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin C Acorda, Jr. underscored that the initiative represents a commitment to sustained collaboration and action: “What we formalize today is a framework for unity, clarity, and decisive action.”

He further emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in confronting increasingly complex criminal networks: “This reality demands that we respond not as separate institutions, but as one government, guided by common protocols and shared accountability. The work does not end with this signing. It begins here.”

Ultimately, this milestone stands as a testament to the power of inter-agency and international cooperation, and a reaffirmation of the shared responsibility to strengthen public service, uphold the rule of law, and protect every Filipino from the threats of organized and transnational crime.