Tarlac POGO hub raid: Raps filed vs 8 Chinese

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal complaints were filed yesterday against eight Chinese who were arrested during a raid at a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, Tarlac on Wednesday.

Gilbert Cruz, executive director of the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission, said charges of human trafficking and serious illegal detention were filed against the suspects, who underwent inquest proceedings.

Cruz said criminal complaints are being readied against a still unidentified Filipino, who is an officer at Sun Yuan Technology Inc.

The POGO firm is suspected to be involved in scams and other illegal activities.

Cruz said 373 Filipinos, who were rescued from the POGO hub, were released on Thursday night.

“They underwent the necessary interview and trauma assessment conducted by the DSWD,” Cruz said in a text message, referring to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

He said the rescued Filipinos are maintenance crewmembers and kitchen staff, who were found not involved with illegal activities.

Nine other Filipinos are considered as witnesses to the abuses committed in the POGO hub.

Cruz said coordination with the embassies of the rescued foreigners are ongoing for their disposition.