ON 29 October 2024, an inter-agency operation was conducted to implement Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) No. 24-35173 issued by RTC Brach 40, Manila. Said operation was conducted at the Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila, and participated in by representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and barangay officials.
Complaints have been filed by lawyers representing the raided facility against officials and personnel of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), focusing on two specific incidents: The first incident involves the subjects of WSSECD No. 24-35173 located on the 23rd floor of the building, where SEC, PAGCOR, and other officials were present. A case related to this has been filed with the court. The second incident pertains to the rescue of five (5) foreign nationals alleged to have been held against their will on the 32nd floor, which was incidental to the primary raid on the 23rd floor. The individual alleged to have been depriving the five foreign nationals of their liberty has been subjected to inquest proceedings with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
As part of the initial inquiry of the complaints filed against members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and cognizant of DOJ Department Circular Nos . 15 and 20, the NAPOLCOM will keep itself apprised of the actions of the court and the DOJ in these matters.
Particularly, the NAPOLCOM will take note of the return of the WSSECD by the PNP with Manila RTC Branch 40 vis-a-vis the action thereon by said court. With respect to the inquest proceedings before the DOJ, the finding as to the presence or absence of a reasonable certainty of conviction will aid the NAPOLCOM in its evaluation of the complaints made against members of the PNP.
In case of any noted irregularity in the operation noted by the court, or by the DOJ, the NAPOLCOM shall forthwith proceed to assume jurisdiction over the complaints. For the meantime, our role will remain limited to verifying the complaints and awaiting the outcomes from the court and DOJ processes.