The Special Task Force of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was dissolved by Director Jaime Santiago following irregularities in a raid on an alleged illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) hub, which drew complaints from the Chinese embassy and private counsel.
Santiago clarified Wednesday that while the STF had been previously formed to handle high-stakes and sensitive cases under direct orders from the director, it is currently inactive. “I have not yet designated who will take charge of it next,” he said, adding that for now, "there is no STF."
Dissolving the STF follows mounting questions over a controversial raid in Santa Rita, Malolos, Bulacan, where agents allegedly applied for and carried out a search warrant with a misstated address, leading to what Santiago believes may have been a “deliberate attempt to weaken the case.”
“From the start, at the point of applying for the warrant, it already appeared questionable. Why cite Santa Rita, Malolos, when the real target is along Ligas Road?” said Santiago. “As a former judge and operative, I can say that search warrants must clearly describe the place to be searched. You can’t afford an error like that.”
Because of this, the Chinese embassy formally raised concerns about the operation, and a private legal counsel representing affected parties had written to him. In response, Santiago ordered an internal probe and redeployed the STF agents to regional divisions to allow for an impartial investigation.
Santiago said the STF operation had targeted a POGO group suspected of occupying residential areas and conducting scams.
They then applied for a search warrant, which was granted, but allegedly misrepresented the exact address—raising doubts about the validity of any evidence seized.
“They conducted surveillance three times, but still got the address wrong?” he said. “If you’re a real operative, you don't make that kind of mistake. It looks deliberate.”
Santiago confirmed that several Chinese nationals were arrested, including minors who were allegedly left behind under the care of one woman. Passports were seized, and the case was reported to the Bureau of Immigration.
“There are allegations that children were abandoned, passports taken, and complaints were filed,” Santiago said. “We’ve invited the complainants’ lawyers to my office tomorrow. We’re cooperating fully.”
Forensic examinations are underway on confiscated laptops, and Santiago stressed that regardless of the possible validity of the intelligence that the location was being used for scams, the improper procedure taints the entire operation.
Santiago said that even if the information was correct, the process used was unacceptable, prompting him to act.
“I’m not saying definitively that the operation was compromised for certain interests,” Santiago said, “but based on what I see—it's not far from the truth. I get angry at this kind of corruption. We will get to the bottom of this," he added.
The NBI chief did not confirm whether charges have been filed against the 13 agents involved, but said they remain under investigation.