The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) permanently shut down an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Angeles City, Pampanga for alleged human trafficking of Chinese nationals.
In a press statement released on Monday, Sept. 19, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said they found that Lucky 99 South Outsourcing Inc. in Pampanga has been operating for years without a government license.
He added that they also discovered that the majority of the 40 Chinese nationals rescued in the area and the other 200 more in a hotel did not have passports.
Abalos led the operation together with the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), representatives of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and barangay officials, held Sunday, Sept. 18.
“Sisiguruhin natin na lahat sila ay madocument nang maigi ng Bureau of Immigration kasi baka mamaya mabiktima na naman sila. Hindi ito tungkol sa Filipino o Chinese, bawat buhay maprotektahan natin, iyon ang importante dito,” he said.
Abalos asked for the public’s cooperation and urged them to report such incidents.
“Magtulungan tayo. Huwag kayong matakot. Ambilis umaksyon ng kapulisan natin. Wala pa sigurong mga 12 hours, nasolve kaagad nila ang isang kidnapping case sa lugar na ito kamakailan lamang. At hindi kami titigil dito. Tandaan nyo yan,“ he added.
The DILG Chief earlier warned of the crackdown on POGO companies that are involved in illegal activities. The statement came after one Chinese was reportedly kidnapped and 42 other trafficked workers were rescued in the said area last week.
