Following a raid on a Pasay City building that allegedly housed a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) and sex trafficking activities, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos ordered an investigation on the city’s police chief and the police officers of a nearby substation.
“Imposibleng hindi alam ito ni isang pulis sa substation,” said Abalos in Ian Cruz’s Sunday 24 Oras Weekend report. “Lahat ng member ng substation at pending investigation yung substation commander at mga tao roon ay for the meantime ay i-relieve muna pending investigation.”
GMA Integrated News had sought comment from Pasay City’s police chief, but they said that they were unaware of the matter.
The raided establishment was not far from the Foreign Affairs Department’s building and the Pasay City hall.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla had said earlier that they would ask the Pasay City government if it was unaware of the activities at the raided building.
GMA Integrated News had also sought comment from the local government, but they had yet to respond as of this posting.
Meanwhile, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), over 300 Chinese nationals, 20 Filipinos, and several other foreign nationals were still being held at the raided building, with 130 other Filipinos having been earlier released.
According to the PAOCC, they would file charges against six Chinese nationals.
A Filipino had also been arrested.
“Pareho po silang itinuturo nung pitong female victims natin ng sexual trafficking,” said Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Desk Team Leader Police Lieutenant Colonel Lucresio Rodrigueza. “Yung Pilipino siya po yung incharge sa aquarium, saka dun sa payment.”
“Itong anim na itong kakasuhan natin ay syang nagmementina ng trafficking hub dito sa loob ng facility na ito,” added PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio.
Meanwhile, three Chinese nationals, who were alleged forced labor victims, were seeking help from authorities.
Additionally, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation officials inspected the raided facility. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
