‘ROGUE’ COMPANY Wednesday’s raid not only tried to dismantle an alleged human trafficking operation but also revealed the vastness of the private property where the questionable online gaming hub had thrived. —Photos by Jun A. Malig
MANILA, Philippines — Seven more Filipinos were rescued in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub raided by authorities in Pampanga on June 4, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
PAOCC said this brings the total number of rescued Filipinos to 36 from 29 initially accounted for, along with 158 foreigners.
READ: Pampanga Pogo linked to scams, trafficking; 186 rescued in raid
“Kahapon may nadagdag na pitong Filipinos na nakatakas doon,” PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio said in Palace briefing on Thursday.
(Yesterday, an additional seven Filipinos escaped [the hub].)
“Thirty-six na po Filipinos, yung unang 29 ay pinauwi na po pagkatapos sila ma-welfare check ng DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) at yung pitong narescue kahapon dinala ng CIDG at ini-interview po sila at kinunan ng mga statements,” he added.
(Thirty-six Filipinos were rescued. The first 29 were sent home after receiving a welfare check at the DSWD, while the seven were brought to CIDG, where operatives interviewed them and got their statements.)
PAOCC’s initial report on Wednesday said its personnel, along with joint operatives of the Philippine National Police units, conducted the raid that resulted in the “apprehension” of 187 individuals inside the Pogo complex along Friendship Highway, Angeles City.
Of the 158 foreigners, 126 were Chinese, 23 were Vietnamese, four were Malaysians, four were Burmese, and one was Korean.
PAOCC’s report further disclosed that its operation stemmed from a warrant issued by the Presiding Judge Maria Belinda Rama of Malolos Regional Trial Court, Branch 14, against officers and employees of Lucky South 99. The commission also said it is “the biggest facility in Pampanga with a reported total number of 46 buildings including villas and other structures, as well as a golf course.”
The warrant, on the other hand, was issued following a report PAOCC received from confidential informants detailing how a female foreigner was sexually trafficked in the area while male foreigners were tortured.