Porac POGO is worst – PAOCC
ANGELES CITY – The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has labeled the rogue Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) in Porac town, Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Incorporated, as the epitome of illegal POGO activity, citing rampant kidnappings and killings.
PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said reports of killings, kidnappings, human and sex trafficking, forced labor, illegal detention, and torture were linked to Lucky South 99. Casio also revealed gruesome videos of tortured foreign nationals.
“It is said that this Lucky South 99 is the worst, most prolific, worst illegal POGO and scam farm when it comes to kidnapping and killing,” Casio said.
“We also received a report that one of the tortured victims has died and he’s been cremated. So there’s no way for us to check that now,” Casio added during an interview with the media.
According to Casio, Lucky South 99 does not have an internet gaming license (IGL) to operate from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). PAOCC said the operation’s focus lies on combating sex trafficking, illegal detention, and torture. At least two Chinese – a male and a female, were rescued at the POGO site for alleged kidnapping.
Casio said, in particular, the female Chinese was kidnapped from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in April. Another Chinese male tortured victim was found handcuffed on a metal bed frame on June 6 by the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.
“She was supposed to have a vacation in Boracay. Unfortunately, her wallet got lost at the airport and a Chinese person came over to help her, it turns out that helping her would bring her here. And since April, she has not been able to get out, she’s been locked up here,” Casio said.
“Hindi sila makalabas on their own. Nakalock yung building, May nakaharang na malaking kahoy para hindi nila mabuksan yung pinto. Kailangan nila bukan ang bintana para makalabas,” he added.
A warrant was issued on June 4 for violations of Republic Act 9208 or Anti-Trafficking Act specifically for sexual and labor trafficking. The warrant was issued by Judge Maria Belinda Rama of Malolos RTC Branch 14.
The spotlight intensified when a rescue operation was conducted at the Lucky South 99 following a “welfare check” prior to their raid operation.
157 foreigners and 50 Filipinos were caught leaving by the entryway at the Royal Garden Estate, Fil-Am Friendship highway in Angeles City as well as Clark Freeport.
Some foreign nationals from the POGO site were also caught on video leaving on Tuesday afternoon. Casio added that the leakage of the raid operation will be investigated including digital forensics of all mobile phones of the units involved in the operation.
“We will investigate the leakage. Eventually we might request for all operating units, including us, for our cellphones to undergo digital forensics,” said Casio in Filipino.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian pointed fingers at local officials, emphasizing their crucial role in monitoring such operations. The event underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to curb illegal POGO activities and hold accountable those complicit in their operation.
“The local government units play a very important role in monitoring these types of facilities and they have to be very aware of the movement especially of foreigners going in and out of their jurisdictions,” said Gatchalian.
“POGOs can be easily detected especially in municipalities and small LGUs. And if there are foreigners that come in and out they should be aware,” the senator added.
Lucky South 99 was initially raided in 2022 for alleged kidnapping of at least 43 Chinese nationals, Casio said.
It is by far the biggest facility in Pampanga spanning 10 hectares with 46 buildings comprising POGO offices, administrative buildings, dormitories, KTV, restaurants, barbershop, clinic, grocery store, private villas and a golf course.