Lawyer Renan Oliva stated that these 17 individuals are accused of violating the provisions of Republic Act No. 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Oliva confirmed that the foreigners facing charges include Zhao Shaoqi (alias "Lao Fan"), Zhao Long (alias "Xiao Long"), Yang Tengda, Ke Rongmou (alias "Jordan"), Ji Hui (alias "Xiao Xi"), Hu Yonghong, Dai Chun, Lin Zhongdong (alias "Edison"), Lona Halim (alias "Grace"), Joni (alias "Gio"), San Thwe Thwe, Luo Peng (alias "A Lang"), Ma Yi, Shen Wenxia (alias "Xi Xi"), Zhuang Jianguo (alias "Wang Fang"), and Wen Qizhen.
The bureau also charged Filipino citizen Zandrew Magdaluyo Cantarona as an accomplice in the crime.
In a video released on Tuesday night (September 3), Oliva said: "Tonight, we have arranged for a total of 17 people to be investigated."
Additionally, on Wednesday (September 4), 162 foreigners rescued from the POGO center in Lapu-Lapu City will be transferred to Manila, where they will face deportation proceedings.
The Immigration Bureau will also conduct separate investigations on undocumented foreigners and those working in the country without proper visas and permits issued by the Philippine government.
The joint rescue operation was initiated by officials from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT-7), which is composed of several key agencies including the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and involved a raid on a POGO center disguised as a resort in Lapu-Lapu City.
