Former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Lt. General Romeo Caramat Jr. revealed during a Senate hearing that he was not informed about the second raid on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, Tarlac.
The operation took place while Caramat was on leave, and he only learned about it two to three days after returning to his office.
Caramat admitted that the raid, conducted using CIDG personnel, felt like a personal affront as he, the director of CIDG, was not notified.
He even confronted then-Philippine National Police Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., expressing his willingness to step down if Acorda no longer trusted him.
The first raid on the POGO hub occurred in February 2023, in which Caramat was involved. However, in March 2024, a second raid took place, uncovering a range of issues, including the involvement of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
During the Senate hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised questions about the relationship between Gen. Caramat and Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Dong Calugay, who is reportedly the boyfriend of former Mayor Guo.
Caramat confirmed that he has known Calugay, a former police officer, for more than a decade. However, Calugay denied any knowledge of Caramat and Guo being acquainted.