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)

MANILA — The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) stated on Tuesday (23 Jan 2024) that PMaj. Allan De Castro, the primary suspect in the disappearance of beauty pageant contestant Catherine Camilon, is prohibited from leaving the country.

De Castro, who was relieved from police service, was released from restrictive custody at Camp Vicente Lim on January 16, 2024.

“We have already coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration in anticipation of his possible attempt to leave the country. We have initiated coordination for a hold departure order to prevent the main suspect from fleeing the country,” CIDG Director PMaj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. disclosed.

Caramat added, “I believe that once he leaves the country or attempts to escape, that’s already an admission of guilt on his part. I don’t think he will do that, but who knows.”

The CIDG is diligently working towards securing a conviction in the criminal case filed against De Castro, his driver Jeffrey Magpantay, and two unidentified individuals. Caramat expressed hope that Magpantay would eventually admit his involvement in the disappearance of Miss Camilon.

“We are still optimistic about winning the case and securing a conviction against the suspects. In the administrative case against our suspect, we already have substantial evidence of his participation, and it will depend on the court’s appreciation of the case,” Caramat stated.

He continued, “As I mentioned, if we can convince other witnesses to come forward or if Magpantay becomes a state witness, it will strengthen our case.”

The situation has become “torturous” for Camilon’s family, according to the police official.

“We all have a conscience. Hopefully, Magpantay will become a state witness since he has already waived and signed a waiver for his detention. I believe that he will soon reveal their participation and the truth,” he said.

Catherine Camilon, missing since October 12, 2023, has left the CIDG cautious in concluding without locating the victim’s body.

“On the part of the CIDG, until we see the victim’s body, we cannot conclude. We base our investigation not on presumptions,” Caramat clarified.

He appealed to the two other suspects to surrender and cooperate with the investigation.

“To the two (2) accomplices, before it’s too late, I am appealing to you. You could become state witnesses to lighten your offenses. I advise you to go to the CIDG office and collaborate with the ongoing investigation regarding the Camilon case,” he urged.

(By el Amigo/MNM)