Louie Sison
In recent years, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have become a controversial topic in the Philippines.
These online gambling firms, mostly catering to Chinese clients, have been linked to various crimes and illegal activities.
One notorious case is the POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, which has been the subject of multiple raids and investigations. Let’s take a closer look at this controversial operation and its implications.
Raid on the Porac POGO Hub
In early June 2024, agents from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and other law enforcement agencies conducted a raid on a sprawling POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga
The operation, which took place over several days, uncovered evidence of torture, human trafficking, illegal detention, and other crimes within the compound.
The raid was initially delayed when a court in Bulacan withdrew the original search warrant. However, authorities were able to secure a new warrant from another court in Central Luzon and proceeded with the operation. During the search, they rescued two victims of torture and found torture devices on the premises.
Links to Previous POGO Scandals
Investigators discovered that the Porac POGO hub, operated by Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., had connections to previous POGO-related scandals. The company’s incorporators were allegedly linked to Zun Yuan Technology, which operated a POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac that was raided in March 2024 due to reports of human trafficking.
Furthermore, another Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Angeles City, Pampanga was raided and shut down in September 2022. In that operation, 42 foreigners who were allegedly victims of torture and human rights abuses were rescued. These connections suggest a pattern of illegal activities across multiple POGO operations.
Crimes Uncovered in the Raid
As the raid on the Porac POGO hub progressed, authorities made disturbing discoveries. In addition to the torture victims and devices found early on, they recovered cash, jewelry, and suspected illegal drugs from the compound. Videos obtained from the site also showed evidence of sex trafficking, with naked foreigners being sold online.
Investigators learned that some of the detained employees in the hub were being punished for failing to meet quotas set by their managers. Physical violence was used as a form of punishment. There were also reports that foreign nationals who gambled at local casinos and were unable to pay their debts were being sold to POGO “scam farms” like the one in Porac.
Political Fallout and Denials
As news of the Porac POGO hub raid spread, questions arose about potential involvement or negligence by local officials. PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio suggested that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) should investigate whether there was any negligence on the part of Porac authorities, given the scale of illegal activities happening in their jurisdiction.
Porac Mayor Jaime Capil strongly denied any suggestions that he was a “protector” of the POGO operation. He claimed that his office did not issue a business permit to Lucky South 99 for 2024 because the company was on the Bureau of Fire Protection’s negative list and failed to comply with mandatory requirements.
Calls for POGO Ban Intensify
The revelations from the Porac POGO hub raid have intensified calls for a total ban on POGO operations in the Philippines. Senators and other officials argue that the social and reputational costs of POGOs outweigh any economic benefits they may bring.
Critics point out that POGO-related crimes, such as human trafficking, illegal detention, torture, and scams, have tarnished the Philippines’ international reputation. They also argue that the tax revenues generated by POGOs are not worth the risks and negative impacts on society.
Senators have also raised concerns about potential national security threats posed by POGOs, especially in light of the discovery of alleged Chinese military uniforms at the Porac site. Some lawmakers are pushing for a more thorough investigation into the people and companies behind these POGO operations.
Extent of the POGO Problem
According to PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, there are over 300 illegal POGO hubs operating in various parts of the Philippines, with only around 48-49 registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This suggests a widespread problem of unregulated and potentially criminal POGO activities across the country.
The Porac POGO hub raid also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling these operations. The vast size of the compound, with over 40 buildings, requires significant time and resources to thoroughly search and investigate. There are also concerns about potential involvement or complicity by local officials and law enforcement personnel in allowing these illegal activities to persist.
Conclusion
The controversial POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga is just one example of the broader issues surrounding the POGO industry in the Philippines. The raid conducted by PAOCC and other agencies has exposed a disturbing array of crimes and human rights abuses, from torture and illegal detention to sex trafficking and scams.
As more details emerge about the extent of illegal activities and potential links to officials, the calls for a total ban on POGOs are growing louder. Lawmakers and critics argue that the social and reputational costs of allowing POGOs to operate outweigh any economic benefits, and that these operations pose significant risks to national security and the rule of law.
Moving forward, it is crucial for the Philippine government to take decisive action in investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the crimes uncovered in Porac and other POGO hubs. Stronger regulation and oversight of the industry, if not an outright ban, may be necessary to prevent further abuses and protect the rights and welfare of both Filipino citizens and foreign workers.
The Porac POGO hub scandal serves as a wake-up call for the Philippines to confront the dark realities of the POGO industry and take steps to address the corruption, criminality, and human rights violations that have flourished in its shadows. Only by facing these issues head-on can the country hope to move towards a more just, transparent, and law-abiding society.
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