Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" C. Remulla issued a stern warning to aliens engaging in illicit activities that “extreme” legal consequences await them.
Secretary Remulla issued the warning after authorities raided another illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), together with the Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ IACAT), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement bodies.
Secretary Remulla urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to be on top of the case, file charges if warranted, and immediately deport those proven to have violated immigration laws.
The Secretary also exhorted “witnesses to boldly come forward and testify so that efforts would not go to waste.”
According to reports, the raided POGO hub identified as the Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Incorporated occupies the biggest facility in Pampanga and reportedly is engaged in prostitution, human trafficking, scams, and other unlawful activities.
Authorities reported that the rescue operation stemmed from reports of sex trafficking and torture of foreign nationals working at Lucky South 99.
On 05 June, two Chinese people were rescued during the actual operation of law enforcement units while 157 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, were rounded up the day prior to the actual raid who were allegedly caught trying to escape.
"Foreigners are welcome to stay here in our country and may treat it as their own home as long as they whole-heartedly follow our laws accordingly and unconditionally. This is the only and last warning to every alien staying in the Philippines, lest they face severe legal consequences," Secretary Remulla warned foreigners.
“The Department of Justice would take action against those behind these illicit activities,” Remulla vowed.