Senator Raffy Tulfo criticized the lack of coordination between law enforcement, immigration officers, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and labor agencies in addressing issues related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
In a recent press conference, Tulfo raised the alarm about the raid conducted by authorities on a POGO hub named Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. or Hong Tai in Las Piñas City last June 27 wherein about 2,714 workers were rescued – 1,284 of which are foreign nationals, while 1,430 are Filipinos.
It can be noted that an undetermined amount of cash and several firearms were seized by the raiding teams on the premises of “Hong Tai” Compound.
Computers and phones were also seized for forensic examination to check if they were being used for illegal activities, such as crypto scams, love scams, and other investment scams
The legislator said that it has already been 13 days but the investigation by the police about this issue remains unclear, particularly the criminal liability of the people behind Xinchuang that are involved in illicit activities.
“Investigation should first find out if they are guilty of human trafficking before deporting them.”
Notably, seven fugitives, 4 Chinese and 3 Taiwanese nationals working for Xinchuang have been caught and turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation but the lawmaker maintained that investigation should first find out if they are guilty of human trafficking before deporting them.
The lawmaker likewise revealed that a reliable source from Camp Crame divulged that cops are using the foreign nationals as milking cows by asking money from them in exchange for their freedom.
The senator also blasted the move by authorities to clear and allow all 1,528 Filipino POGO workers to leave the premises in Las Piñas City without properly investigating whether they are really victims or complicit to the crime.
He questioned if background checks have already been conducted on Filipino directors of Xinchuang namely Dianica Mensah, Oliver Ong, Divina Vidal, Dinalyn Vidal and Daisy Vidal Cidro who could all be guilty of crimes.
“Nagkakatawaran pa bago matubos ang foreign nationals mula sa kustodiya ng mga pulis.”
“Ginagawang gatasan lang ng mga awtoridad ang mga raid ng POGO hub kung saan napakaraming lapses at mishandling na nangyayari,” Tulfo said. “Nagkakatawaran pa bago matubos ang foreign nationals mula sa kustodiya ng mga pulis. Yung mga Pilipinong kasabwat naman sa kabulastugang ito, imbes na masampahan ng kaso sa korte, ay nabibigyan pa ng ayuda dahil pinalalabas na biktima!”
“Kaya nagpasa ako ng Resolusyon sa Senado para mapatigil na itong moro-moro at hao-siao na raid na ito!” he added.
In filing the said Resolution, Tulfo underscored the need to assess the effectiveness of PAGCOR in fulfilling its regulatory mandate, ensuring proper coordination with other agencies, and protecting the rights and welfare of POGO workers.
It can be noted that he filed a Resolution and issued a statement about POGO-related illegal activities after an American citizen complained through his program “Wanted sa Radyo” about being love-scammed.
Said foreigner met the lovely young Filipina through a dating app called PinaLove. He was later scammed by the girl for a total amount of $12,000 or about P650,000.
The woman suspect initially denied having any involvement with the scam, saying her picture was just used.
But when they were made to face each other and when she was challenged to a lie-detector test, she eventually admitted that she was employed by a POGO operator in Las Piñas, where she was used to lure investors into the cryptocurrency scam. She, however, has since resigned from the said POGO.
