The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) confirmed that it does not have jurisdiction over the operations of Central One Bataan PH Inc., a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm based in Bataan. This was announced by PAGCOR regulatory officer Atty. Joseph Lobo during a meeting of the Bataan Provincial Peace and Order Council on Wednesday.

“It was clear naman that AFAB has jurisdiction since it’s their locator, and not PAGCOR,” stated Atty. Lobo, emphasizing that the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) is responsible for regulating the company, not PAGCOR.

The meeting, led by Bataan Governor Joet Garcia as Chairman of the Bataan Peace and Order Council, saw more than ten employees from Central One Bataan PH Inc. share their experiences from a recent raid. The operation was conducted by forces from the PNP Region 3, CIDG, and AFP under the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). Although representatives from various agencies were present, the PAOCC, despite an official invitation from the DILG, did not send a representative.

Atty. Cherry Anne Dela Cruz, an official of Central One Bataan PH Inc., emphasized that they are not a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO). “We have a gaming license which was never used. We are not a POGO. We did not begin under the previous administration. We only started in January 2023,” Dela Cruz clarified. She stressed that their facility complies with AFAB regulations and BPO standards, and does not engage in online gambling.

Governor Garcia expressed satisfaction with the clarification, which he said demonstrates that the PAOCC’s raid of Central One Bataan PH Inc. lacked basis. “This is a great development because it addresses what the PAOCC mentioned as a requirement for Central One to operate,” said Gov. Garcia.

The PAGCOR clarification, along with information shared by Central One Bataan PH, reinforced the company’s adherence to AFAB regulations and helped clarify issues that have arisen in recent weeks.

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