Former CIDG chief Caramat says left out of Bamban POGO raid

MANILA — Former police Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) chief Lt. General Romeo Caramat Jr. said he confronted former Philippine National Police Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr., and told the latter he could immediately relieve him if he no longer trusted him.

According to Caramat, who attended the Senate hearing on dismissed Mayor Alice Guo, he did this after he was left in the dark about the second raid in Baofu Compound where the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Bamban, Tarlac used to operate.

He said he only found out about the second raid three to four days after he returned from his leave.

“To be honest, I was upset why I was not informed. It was a slap on my face as the director of the CIDG and they used my men in that raid and they didn’t bother to inform me,” Caramat said.

The first raid in Baofu which Caramat was a part of was done in February 2023, the second was in March 2024.

“Maybe it is because merong pangamba sa inyo that you were part of this. Is that something that you thought about, Sir?” Senator Joel Villanueva asked Caramat.

“I told the former chief PNP if he doesn’t trust me, he could immediately relieve me as Director,” Caramat said. “Ang sabi niya lang nawala sa isip niya dahil nasa leave ka naman.”

Caramat insisted he never told the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) not not apply for a search warrant.

“Ang director ng CIDG has no power, no reason to dictate the PAOCC,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Caramat said he has known Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo Calugay for about 10 years as they were previously assigned to the Lingayan, Pangasinan Police Provincial Office.

Calugay is allegedly the boyfriend of Guo. He has denied the allegation.