MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two Chinese nationals and rescued 13 suspected human trafficking victims during a raid on a suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Pampanga on Tuesday (31 July 2024).
The operation occurred at 5:30 a.m. in a village at the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat City, following seven search warrants issued by the Guagua, Pampanga Regional Trial Court. CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco identified the suspects as “Tiago” and “Tian Zhu.”
Among the 13 rescued were two women and three minors. Authorities also seized vaults, foreign currencies, documents, computer sets, cellphones, other gadgets, and P167,400 in cash.
The suspects, victims, and evidence were taken to the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit in Camp Crame for documentation. The suspects face charges under Republic Act 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
(el Amigo/mnm)
