Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission

15/06/2026

𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐡-𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐀𝐎𝐂𝐂 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬

On June 15, 2026, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), under the leadership of Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin C. Acorda, Jr., conducted the oath-taking ceremony for newly appointed and reappointed officials of the Commission.

Taking their oath of office were Major General Teofilo Bailon Jr. (ret) as Deputy Executive Director IV and Dr. Gilmore M. Rioveros as Technical Assistant, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the mandate of the Commission and contribute to its continuing efforts in the fight against organized crime and other forms of criminality.

The ceremony was held at the Conference room of the PAOCC, 4th Floor, PCTC Building, Camp Crame, Quezon City. It marked another significant milestone in strengthening the Commission’s leadership and operational capability as it advances its mission of promoting public safety, preserving the rule of law, and protecting the welfare of the Filipino people.

PAOCC remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, integrity, and dedicated public service in carrying out its mandate to combat organized crime and support national security initiatives.

13/06/2026

Today, we come together to celebrate a meaningful milestone, the 15th anniversary of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Sa nakaraang 15 taon, nanatiling matatag ang paninindigan ng PAOCC na labanan ang organized crime at pangalagaan ang kaligtasan, seguridad, at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino.

Itinatag ang PAOCC sa bisa ng Executive Order No. 46, na nilagdaan ni dating Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III noong June 13, 2011, upang palakasin ang koordinasyon at implementasyon ng mga polisiya laban sa organized crime at iba pang seryosong banta sa ating bansa.

Sa mga taon, patuloy na ipinakita ng PAOCC ang dedikasyon at tapang nito sa pagharap sa iba’t ibang hamon, kabilang ang mga ilegal na aktibidad na may kaugnayan sa mga scam/POGO, illegal mining, illegal smuggling, at iba pang kriminal na operasyon.

Habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang mahalagang tagumpay na ito, buong-puso nating kinikilala ang sipag, katatagan, at walang sawang paglilingkod ng PAOCC. Nawa’y magpatuloy pa ang maraming taon ng matibay na pakikipagtulungan, dedikasyon, at malasakit tungo sa mas ligtas, at mas matatag na Pilipinas.

12/06/2026

MALIGAYANG ARAW NG KASAYSAYAN AT KALAYAAN! 🇵🇭

Today, we celebrate the 128th Philippine Independence Day! We honor the courage of our heroes who fought for our freedom, and we celebrate the resilience of every Filipino shaping our future today.

Let us continue to unite, uplift one another, and build a brighter tomorrow. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 🌟

12/06/2026

Ang ating kalayaan ay hindi basta ipinagkaloob. Ito ay ipinaglaban ng mga bayaning nag-alay ng tapang, dugo, pawis, at buhay upang maitindig ang dignidad ng sambayanang Pilipino.

Sa paggunita ng Araw ng Kalayaan, nawa’y hindi lamang natin alalahanin ang kanilang sakripisyo, kundi ipagpatuloy din ang kanilang adhikain sa pamamagitan ng tapat na paglilingkod, malasakit sa kapwa, at matatag na pagmamahal sa bayan.

Ang tunay na diwa ng kalayaan ay nabubuhay sa bawat Pilipinong handang manindigan para sa katotohanan, katarungan, kapayapaan, at kinabukasan ng ating bansa.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

10/06/2026

𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐤𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐚, 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚, 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧: 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐜. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚 𝐉𝐫. 𝐬𝐚 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐌𝐌𝐀

Sa gitna ng mga hamon ng organisadong krimen, korapsyon, at banta sa pambansang seguridad, muling binigyang-diin ni PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. ang kahalagahan ng makabayang pamumuno, integridad, at disiplina sa isang inspirational symposium sa Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) sa San Narciso, Zambales noong Hunyo 9.

Bilang panauhing tagapagsalita, unang dumalo si Usec. Acorda sa command conference at arrival honors bago pormal na sinimulan ang programa sa PMMA Mess Hall. Nagbigay naman ng welcome remarks si PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Y. Abutal at binigyang-diin ang mahalagang papel ng akademya sa paghubog ng mga susunod na lider ng maritime industry at serbisyo publiko.

Sa kanyang talumpati, hinikayat ni Usec. Acorda ang mga kadete at opisyal ng PMMA na maging huwaran ng integridad, tapang, disiplina, at pagmamahal sa bayan. Ipinaalala rin niya na ang pagtatanggol sa Republika ay hindi lamang tungkulin ng pamahalaan kundi responsibilidad ng bawat Pilipino.

Naging mas makabuluhan ang programa sa isinagawang open forum kung saan aktibong nagtanong ang mga kadete tungkol sa crime prevention, nation-building, at mga hakbang laban sa mga umuusbong na banta sa lipunan. Nagkaroon din ng pagkakataon si Usec. Benjamin Acorda Jr. na makapaglibot sa mga pasilidad ng PMMA upang masaksihan ang mga programa at pagsasanay na humuhubog sa mga magiging opisyal ng maritime sector ng bansa.

Ang PMMA ay ang pangunahing maritime institution ng Pilipinas na naghahanda ng mga kabataang Pilipino upang maging mga propesyonal at responsableng opisyal sa larangan ng maritime transportation at pambansang serbisyo.

Sa pagtatapos ng programa, ipinagkaloob ng PMMA ang isang Plaque of Appreciation kay Usec. Acorda bilang pagkilala sa kanyang ambag sa pagpapaunlad ng pamumuno ng mga kadete at sa kanyang patuloy na kampanya laban sa organisadong krimen at korapsyon.

04/06/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥

Government authorities conducted a joint investigation and ocular inspection of the industrial premises of Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation to assess its operational conditions, verify compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and gather evidence in support of ongoing case-building efforts

The inspection was carried out by concerned law enforcement and government agencies, including the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

The inter-agency inspection sought to determine possible violations affecting public safety, environmental protection, labor standards, hazardous waste management, and other regulatory requirements. The findings will serve as a basis for further legal, administrative, and enforcement actions against Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation.

Following the inspection, government authorities held an inter-agency press conference at Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, to inform the public about the inspection results, the latest key findings, and the actions being undertaken by concerned agencies.

During the briefing, the inter-agency body underscored the serious findings uncovered during the joint inspection and assessment. He cited violations of environmental regulations, including the validated presence of radioactivity within the company’s premises, which falls outside the scope of the company’s Hazardous Waste Generator Registration. This constitutes a violation of Condition No. 6 of the Environmental Compliance Certificate and Republic Act No. 6969, or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990.

The inspection also revealed alarming concerns about worker safety and waste management within the company’s operational premises. Authorities observed that foreign workers were provided with specialized protective gear during working hours, while local Filipino workers were not given equivalent protection. This raised serious concerns over unfair and unequal occupational safety standards.

DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government response in enforcing national laws, protecting communities, and upholding public safety and the national interest.

In response to the displacement of local Filipino workers following the cessation of operations of Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation, the DOLE immediately extended livelihood assistance programs to support their transition. The agency also coordinated with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to provide affected workers with specialized training opportunities, enabling them to acquire additional competencies and nationally recognized certifications.

The DSWD and DOH likewise assisted affected local workers by providing financial aid, support packages, and medical examinations to assess and address potential health impacts from exposure to unsafe working conditions.

PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin C Acorda Jr. emphasized that sovereignty is defined by the respect and strict enforcement of the nation’s laws, the protection of workers, and the prioritization of public safety over private interests.

“This government intervention is driven by the Republic’s duty to protect its people, uphold its laws, safeguard its communities, and defend its territory,” Acorda said.

01/06/2026

𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐑𝐎-𝐂𝐀𝐑 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Through a whole-of-government effort and coordinated law enforcement operations, government authorities successfully tracked down and arrested the No. 1 Regional Top Most Wanted Person of the Police Regional Office–Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) on May 31, 2026, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 1, Pasay City.

The successful operation was carried out by a composite team comprising key law enforcement and government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Bureau of Immigration (BI), PNP- Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - Benguet Provincial Field Unit (CIDG-Benguet PFU), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

The suspect is identified as John Lerry Amit, who is the subject of a Warrant of Arrest for Qualified Trafficking under Criminal Case No. 26C-CR-16365, issued by Hon. Isagani Gomez Calderon, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 8, First Judicial Region, La Trinidad, Benguet. The said warrant carries a recommendation of no bail.

𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The PAOCC received a report concerning alleged illegal recruitment and human trafficking activities, in which the suspect was identified as one of the perpetrators. Subsequent investigation revealed that several victims were allegedly lured with fraudulent employment opportunities and later transported to Cambodia, where they were reportedly subjected to exploitative working conditions and other forms of abuse.

Through continuous case buildup and a series of intelligence and information-gathering efforts, the authorities discovered that a warrant of arrest for Human Trafficking had already been issued against the suspect by the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 8, First Judicial Region, La Trinidad, Benguet. Likewise, with the PAOCC's continuous efforts in pursuing all available leads, the suspect's whereabouts were established and located in Cambodia.

Subsequent coordination with the concerned government agencies, including the DFA, BI, and DMW, was made to monitor the suspects' movements and facilitate the necessary arrangements for the possible apprehension and repatriation to the Philippines.

Subsequently, the Commission received information regarding the suspect's scheduled arrival in the country via NAIA Terminal 1. Acting on the information, law enforcement authorities immediately executed the warrant of arrest upon the suspect's arrival, resulting in a successful whole-of-government operation.

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞

The PAOCC, under its Executive Director, Undersecretary Benjamin C Acorda, Jr., will continue to bolster its campaign to dismantle any forms of organized crime in the country, including networks in human trafficking activities. It likewise reaffirms its commitment to arrest and prosecute those perpetrators who dare to exploit the Filipino people and violate their rights, welfare, and dignity.

31/05/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐎𝐒𝐀𝐄𝐂 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟒-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐎𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫

On the afternoon of May 28, 2026, authorities in Iligan City successfully conducted a coordinated inter-agency law enforcement and rescue operation that led to the arrest of a female suspect involved in the commercial exploitation of vulnerable victims and offering Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) to paying individuals online. A 14-year-old minor victim was 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 4 (ICPS 4), PNP–Iligan City Police Station 5 (ICPS 5), 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 NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM, 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).

According to the authorities' investigation, the suspect was actively soliciting potential customers on various social media platforms and offering them indecent and explicit materials, including pornographic pictures and videos of vulnerable minors, in exchange for monetary gain.

The 14-year-old minor victim, identified as the biological younger sister of the suspect, was immediately brought to the Iligan City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Children and Processing Center to ensure protection, welfare, and ongoing recovery in accordance with applicable child protection protocols.

The suspect is currently detained at the PNP-Iligan City Police Station 5 and is now facing criminal charges under the 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 today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, where technology continues to shape everyday life, vulnerable children remain defenseless and are placed among the most exposed and at-risk groups. Their struggles remain hidden at the margins of public awareness, their voices are rarely heard, and their situations are frequently overlooked, as they exist on the periphery of attention in a world that moves too quickly to pause and truly see them.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), under the leadership of its Executive Director, Undersecretary Benjamin C Acorda, Jr., will relentlessly pursue individuals who dare to exploit the defenseless children of our country and likewise ensure that all resources will be utilized for a deeper vigilance to guarantee that they will not reduce to silent victims of technological advancement, but are instead protected, prioritized, and brought into the center of safeguarding efforts both online and offline.

28/05/2026

Three stars, one sun, and an unbroken spirit
Isang pagpupugay sa simbolo ng ating kalayaan, katapangan, at pagkakaisa May 28, 2026 Ngayung National Flag Day, ay ating ipinagdiriwang ng may dangal ang watawat ng Pilipinas!

28/05/2026