Trafficking charges filed vs 16 foreigners, Filipino after POGO raid in Philippines

Jenny Ortiz September 9, 2024

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Central Visayas in the Philippines has filed human trafficking charges against 16 foreign nationals and one Filipino following a raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Lapu-Lapu City.

The operation took place at the Tourist Garden Hotel, a facility disguised as a resort, on August 31. The charges fall under Republic Act 9208, which addresses trafficking in persons, including qualified trafficking. The Filipino national charged, Zandrew Magdaluyo Cantarona, faces accusations of being an accessory after authorities found him in possession of 51 Indonesian passports.

Rescue and deportation of foreign workers

During the raid, over 160 foreign workers were rescued, including 93 Chinese, 69 Indonesians, six Burmese, and one Malaysian. Many of these individuals were allegedly coerced into participating in internet-based scams, having been deceived into travelling to the Philippines.

The rescued individuals are now being processed for deportation, with the Bureau of Immigration filing separate charges against them for working without proper visas and permits. The foreign nationals will be transported to Manila, where they will face deportation proceedings.

Operation’s legal proceedings and key witnesses

The NBI’s inquest proceedings resulted in charges being filed against the foreign nationals identified as key figures in the human trafficking operation. Several foreign nationals have been accused of serving as recruiters, confiscating passports, and forcing workers into illegal activities. Meanwhile, five Filipinos, including witnesses previously involved in a similar operation in Pampanga, will testify against the accused. Their testimonies suggest that the Lapu-Lapu operation was part of a broader illegal scheme previously shut down by authorities.

Immigration violations and further investigations

All 169 foreign nationals rescued in the raid face additional charges for immigration violations, as they were undocumented and lacked the necessary permits to work in the Philippines. A Filipino hotel employee, who allegedly attempted to remove a box containing PHP8 million (€129,467) in cash from the site, is also under investigation and may face charges. The authorities continue to examine the links between the POGO hub and wider illegal activities, with further legal actions expected in the coming weeks.

Local government response

In response to the incident, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan ordered the closure of six business establishments operating within the Tourist Garden Hotel compound. This move comes as part of the local government’s efforts to curb illegal operations and ensure the safety and well-being of workers in the area.

The raid was initiated following a request from the Indonesian Embassy, which sought the rescue of at least 40 Indonesian nationals who had been forced into illegal activities. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing human trafficking and illegal offshore gaming in the Philippines.

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