The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines conducted a large-scale raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) center in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Province, charging 16 foreigners and taking decisive action against human trafficking.
Rescue Operation and Charges:
The operation, launched on August 31, successfully rescued over 100 foreign workers who were reportedly deceived and forced into cyber scam operations. These workers were lured to the Philippines under false pretenses and found themselves in exploitative working conditions.
The accused include Zhao Shaoqi (also known as Lao Fan), Zhao Long (also known as Xiao Long), and others, who were charged with human trafficking by the NBI Central Visayas office. In addition to these foreigners, Filipino Zandrew Magdaluyo Cantarona was also charged as an accomplice for being found in possession of 51 Indonesian workers' passports at the site.
The raid was triggered by intelligence provided by the Indonesian Embassy, reporting that three Indonesian nationals had escaped from the Tourist Garden Hotel on September 2, claiming that the city government was previously unaware of their escape, and that the hotel was involved in illegal detention and operating a POGO center.
In the raid, authorities rescued individuals from various countries, including 93 Chinese, 69 Indonesians, 6 Burmese, and 1 Malaysian. After the rescue, the Immigration Bureau charged these workers with lacking proper documentation and unauthorized employment. They were transported to Manila on September 4, 2024, in preparation for deportation.
Local Response Measures and Further Actions:
According to the "Asian Gaming Brief," the Mayor of Lapu-Lapu City, Junard Chan, ordered the immediate closure of the Tourist Garden Hotel. After the investigation concluded on Tuesday, NBI-7 Director Renan Oliva emphasized the ongoing investigations, including into a hotel employee suspected of attempting to smuggle a box containing 8 million Philippine pesos related to illegal activities. As investigations continue, this employee may face related charges.
The case has attracted widespread attention, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has mobilized five Filipino witnesses from a previously closed offshore gaming company center in Bataan Province, who will testify against the defendants and their accomplices.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Outlook:
As NBI-7 continues its thorough investigations, authorities are considering additional charges against suspects, including money laundering. Authorities are also seeking search warrants to inspect electronic devices seized during the raid, which could reveal more evidence of the criminal network and help identify more victims.
The ongoing legal and investigative actions highlight the Philippine authorities' firm resolve to combat human trafficking and illegal online gambling activities, ensuring that vulnerable foreign workers exploited in these covert operations receive fair treatment and protection.
