11-7-2023 (MANILA) General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has expressed alarm over the possibility of more foreign fugitives being employed in online gambling firms following a recent human trafficking raid in Las Piñas. The operation involved four Chinese and three Taiwanese fugitives.
During a press briefing, General Acorda stated that the PNP is in constant coordination with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) as they intensify efforts to combat illegal activities associated with Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Reports received from operating units have indicated that fugitives have been apprehended in POGO operations. General Acorda acknowledged the possibility that this practice could be a modus operandi for fugitives seeking refuge in such hubs.
A recent raid led by the PNP resulted in the rescue of approximately 2,000 alleged human trafficking victims, including foreign fugitives, at the Hong Tai Compound in Las Piñas City on June 26.
Brigadier General Sidney Hernia, director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, revealed that they learned about the presence of foreign fugitives in some POGO hubs through coordination with embassies, which provided them with a list.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian criticized certain POGOs for allegedly employing fugitives wanted for crimes in other countries. He emphasized that this provides the government with another reason to consider banning the presence of POGOs in the country.
Gatchalian pointed out that fugitives apprehended during the recent raid in Las Piñas City were found to be working for Xinchuang Network Technology, a licensed POGO firm in the country. He argued that this serves as further evidence of the POGO industry’s involvement in criminal activities, even among legitimate firms.
Gatchalian raised concerns about how POGO firms, including those accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), have allegedly become a haven for aliens wanted for crimes. He noted that two accredited POGO service providers have already been implicated in criminality within a span of two months.
However, Senator Raffy Tulfo called for an investigation into the police operations against POGO firms, criticizing the alleged lack of coordination and clumsy law enforcement work by the PNP, BI, Department of Labor and Employment, and Pagcor in addressing POGO-related issues. Tulfo questioned why no criminal charges have been filed against officers of Xinchuang.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also criticized the PNP for conducting human trafficking operations without sufficient evidence and without coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Remulla stated that the lack of evidence and coordination resulted in the release of five Chinese suspects involved in human trafficking, namely Li Jiacheng, Xiao Liu, Yan Jiayong, Duan Haozhuan, and LP Hongkun, who underwent inquest at the DOJ on June 30.
