DOJ chief warns erring aliens of ‘extreme’ legal repercussions

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla —Inquirer photo/Richard A. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines — “Extreme” legal consequences await foreigners caught engaging in illicit activities, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla warned amid issues on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) in the country.

Remulla’s warning came after another illegal Pogo hub in Porac, Pampanga was raided by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and other law enforcement bodies.

READ: 7 more Filipinos rescued in Pampanga Pogo raid — PAOCC

“Foreigners are welcome to stay here in our country and may treat it as their own home as long as they whole-heartedly follow our laws accordingly and unconditionally. This is the only and last warning to every alien staying in the Philippines, lest they face severe legal consequences,” the justice secretary said in a statement issued on Sunday.

“The Department of Justice would take action against those behind these illicit activities,” he added.

Biggest facility

Previous reports said that Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Incorporated—the biggest facility in Pampanga—reportedly engaged in prostitution, human trafficking, scams, and other unlawful activities.

PAOCC said 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 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.

In connection to this, Remulla urged the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration “to be on top of the case, file charges if warranted, and immediately deport those proven to have violated immigration laws.”

He likewise urged witnesses with relevant information related to the case to come forward and testify.