PGasia | Possible Leak Probed as 157 Foreigners Captured Fleeing POGO Site
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Foreign Nationals Caught Leaving POGO Premises
ANGELES CITY, Philippines – A significant number of foreigners, primarily Chinese nationals, were apprehended while trying to leave a rogue Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga. This occurred just as the police were about to conduct a “welfare check” in the area, leading authorities to investigate a potential information leak.
Diverse Group of Foreign Nationals Involved
Among those detained were 127 Chinese, 23 Vietnamese, 4 Malaysians, and 3 Burmese nationals. Additionally, 50 Filipinos were also among the group. These individuals were caught attempting to pass through a checkpoint, raising suspicions about their sudden departure.
Multiple Vehicles Used for Escape
The POGO workers were in at least 12 different vehicles when they were intercepted. These vehicles were leaving the Royal Garden Estate, situated along Fil-Am Friendship highway in Angeles City.
Investigating Potential Links to Human Trafficking
Authorities are currently verifying whether these vehicles originated from Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Incorporated, a POGO previously implicated in human trafficking activities. This connection is under scrutiny as part of the broader investigation.
Authorities Investigate Possible Leak as 157 Foreigners Flee POGO Site
Foreign Nationals Apprehended While Fleeing POGO
ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Authorities intercepted 157 foreigners, predominantly Chinese nationals, attempting to flee a rogue Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga. This occurred just as police were scheduled to conduct a “welfare check,” prompting an investigation into a potential information leak.
Details of the Apprehended Group
The apprehended group consisted of 127 Chinese, 23 Vietnamese, 4 Malaysians, and 3 Burmese nationals. Additionally, 50 Filipinos were detained. These individuals were intercepted at a checkpoint, raising suspicions about their sudden departure.
Vehicles Used for the Attempted Escape
The POGO workers were traveling in at least 12 different vehicles, leaving the premises of the Royal Garden Estate along Fil-Am Friendship Highway in Angeles City.
Human Trafficking Investigation
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), in collaboration with the Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Special Action Force, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Anti-Cybercrime Group, Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, and Porac police, executed a search warrant against the officers and employees of Lucky South 99. The warrant was based on a human trafficking complaint.
Search Warrant Details
The search warrant was issued by Judge Maria Belinda Rama of Malolos RTC Branch 14 on June 4 for violations of Republic Act 9208, specifically addressing sexual and labor trafficking.
Unexpected Discoveries at the POGO Facility
Upon arrival at Lucky South 99’s facilities, authorities found the premises without power and devoid of people.
Pre-Raid Welfare Check
PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio explained that the welfare check was a preliminary step before conducting an actual raid. “We are conducting welfare checks because we are in search of trafficked victims here. This is part of the procedure before we conduct an actual raid operation,” Casio said.
Checkpoints at Known Exit Points
As part of the operation, checkpoints were established at all known exit points of the POGO facility to prevent the escape of trafficked individuals.
Possible Leak?
Foreign Nationals Recorded Leaving POGO Site
Some foreign nationals from the POGO site were captured on video departing on Tuesday afternoon. PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio stated that the possible leak of the raid will be thoroughly investigated. All mobile phones belonging to the operating units and agencies involved in the operation will undergo digital forensic analysis.
Previous Raids and Suspicions
Lucky South 99 was previously raided in 2022 for the alleged kidnapping of at least 43 Chinese nationals, Casio revealed.
Scale of the POGO Facility
The POGO facility in question is the largest in Pampanga, covering 10 hectares and housing 46 buildings. These include POGO offices, administrative buildings, dormitories, KTV, restaurants, a barbershop, a clinic, a grocery store, private villas, and a golf course.
Location Confirmation
The Angeles City information office confirmed with Rappler that, although one of the main entry points is in Angeles City, the POGO site is situated in Sitio Pulung Maba, Barangay Santa Cruz, Porac, Pampanga.
Rescue Operation Initiated After Welfare Check
Operation Details and Background
A rescue operation was initiated following a “welfare check” conducted on June 5. The PAOCC reported that the operation was prompted by cases of sex trafficking and the discovery of two tortured foreign nationals employed at Lucky South 99.
Lack of Licensing
Casio disclosed that Lucky South 99 lacks an internet gaming license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
Rescued Victims
During the operation, two Chinese nationals—a man and a woman—were rescued from the POGO site. Casio detailed that the Chinese woman had been abducted in April from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“She was supposed to have a vacation in Boracay. Unfortunately, her wallet got lost at the airport and a Chinese person came over to help her. It turns out that helping her would bring her here. And since April, she has not been able to get out; she’s been locked up here,” Casio explained in a mix of Filipino and English.
Conditions of Detention
The victims were found in dire conditions, with the building they were held in locked and barricaded.
“Hindi sila makalabas on their own. Nakalock yung building, May nakaharang na malaking kahoy para hindi nila mabuksan yung pinto. Kailangan nila buksan ang bintana para makalabas,” Casio added.
(They are not able to get out on their own. The building is locked. There is a big block of wood blocking the door, so they won’t be able to open it. They needed to open the window to get out.)
Ongoing Investigation
Casio confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into all the cases discovered at Lucky South 99 will continue.
