Davao Police Report: Rescued Woman Declines to File Case Against Alleged POGO-Linked Boyfriend
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has confirmed that a 21-year-old woman from Manila, who was rescued by authorities from a local hotel lobby on February 4, 2026, has chosen not to file a formal complaint against her alleged boyfriend, a Chinese national linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).
Victim Withdraws Legal Action Plans
According to DCPO spokesperson Police Captain Hazel Caballero Tuazon, the woman withdrew her initial plans to pursue legal action at the time of the rescue. However, police emphasized that the option to file a case remains open should she reconsider in the future.
"The victim is not willing to file a case against her alleged Chinese boyfriend. But just in case she becomes willing to file a case, the Davao City Police Office remains open," Tuazon told reporters on February 5.
Suspect's Immigration Status and Incident Details
Tuazon disclosed that the suspect possesses valid immigration documents on record with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The victim was found disheveled and visibly distressed in the hotel lobby, with initial investigation revealing that the alleged physical abuse occurred two days prior to the rescue.
"So, the incident happened two days ago, where she was allegedly beaten by her Chinese national boyfriend. After the investigation, she provided initial information about their stay in Davao City, as they came from Pasay City," the official explained.
Police Action and Ongoing Coordination
While the suspect has been identified, further police action is currently on hold due to the lack of a formal complaint and insufficient evidence. A police blotter has been created, allowing the victim to return at any time to formally file charges.
The DCPO is now coordinating with the Pasay City Police Station to further investigate the case, particularly the background of the Chinese national. This comes after the victim admitted providing authorities with a false identity for the suspect initially.
Background of the Incident and Previous Abuse
Tension inside the hotel was witnessed by local media on February 4, following reports that the woman from Pasay City was involved with a Chinese national she described as her "Pogo boss." The suspect allegedly traveled to Davao City to obtain fraudulent Philippine identification documents.
"We were arguing because there was another woman, and I just asked him about it. Suddenly he got angry and started hurting me," the victim recounted nervously.
According to the victim, they had been staying in Davao City for three days after traveling from Metro Manila. She claimed the February 4 incident was not the first time the suspect had physically abused her, with reports indicating she was previously rescued during a similar altercation at a large Davao shopping mall on February 3.
"He has done this to me before in Manila, in Pasay. I have pictures showing my bruises," she added.
Police Appeal to Abuse Victims
The DCPO reiterated its appeal to victims of abuse to immediately seek assistance from authorities to ensure their safety and enable law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable. The case highlights ongoing concerns about POGO-related individuals and domestic violence incidents in the region.
