A total of 59 mostly foreign nationals who were allegedly involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Region 11 on Friday.
In John Consulta’s report on Saksi, it was learned that 55 of them were Chinese nationals, 3 Malaysians and one Filipina.
They were arrested in Barangay Manay, Panabo City, Davao del Norte.
A Chinese national said he had no idea that he is working in a POGO firm.
“I am from Manila some of my friends say here are working. They won’t let me go, they told me work here,” he said.
NBI said the property is owned by a Filipino.
“Siguro ang mga naka-on na computers nasa mga 60 units dalawang kwarto iyon two areas may mga Chinese doon na nagooperate most of these Chinese nationals, not all, from Manila ito lahat. Dinala dito dahil nagsarado ang POGO nila sa Manila,” said Arcelito Albao, NBI 11 regional director.
(There were about 60 units of computers that were turned on. There are two rooms with Chinese nationals. They were brought here because their POGO in Manila closed.)
According to NBI 11, they were only going to rescue the Malaysian national who was allegedly being beaten in a warehouse in the area.
“She was forced to work. She wanted to escape but managed to send messages to the authorities that’s why we need to rescue her but when we get to the area nakatakas siya kasama ng abductors niya. We will be conducting a hot pursuit operation beginning today (she escaped with her abductors we will be conducting a hot pursuit operation beginning today),” said Ely Leano, NBI 11 spokesperson.
GMA Regional TV is still trying to get a statement from the company. It has only been three months since the operation of the POGO firm began.
“This POGO operation is not licensed,” said Albao.
Mobile phones, IDs, cigarettes as well as two shotguns and ammunition from the security guard were taken from those arrested. Handcuffs and batons were also obtained.
“Sa initial information na nakuha may officials from the government sa Panabo City na pumuprotekta dito meron din kaming na trace na may nagpapanggap na dalawang NBI agents na nag-accommodate dito kung saan nila nakuha itong location na na-raid natin,” Albao added.
(In the initial information that was obtained there are officials from the government in Panabo City who are protecting it.)—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News
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