On September 6 local time, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-7) in the Philippines issued two search warrants to a hotel in Lapu Lapu City, suspected to be a center for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), located in Barangay Agus, Tourist Garden Hotel.
During the execution of the search warrants, the National Bureau of Investigation seized computers, mobile phones, and safes, and is currently conducting ongoing searches on two buildings. Last weekend, a group of foreigners were arrested at the center, including 16 foreigners who were charged with alleged human trafficking.
The accused foreigners include Chinese citizens Zhao Shao Qi, Yang Teng Da, Ke Rong Mou, Ji Hui, Hu Yonghong, Dai Chun Lin, Zhong Donglin, Luo Peng, Shen Wen Xia, Wen Qi Zhen, as well as Indonesian nationals Lona, Halim, Joni, and Myanmar nationals San and Thwe Thwe. Filipino Zandrew Magdaluyo Cantarona was charged as a criminal accomplice for carrying the rescued Indonesian nationals' passports.
At that time, a hotel employee was also arrested for attempting to secretly transport a box containing 8 million pesos, which was reported to be the earnings of the POGO center.
During the raid, a total of 169 foreigners were caught at the center, charged by the immigration bureau for working in the Philippines without a visa. The arrested individuals are also suspected of involvement in online fraud.
The mayor of Lapu Lapu City, Junard Chan, has issued a stop order to the hotel.
