INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — An investigation is underway to probe the possible link between the discovery of nine dead bodies of foreigners in Pampanga and the illegal operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) in the country, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said Saturday.
The bodies of six Chinese, one Vietnamese, one Malaysian, and one Japanese were found scattered in different parts of Pampanga as announced by the provincial police last Friday.
Also in Pampanga last month, an incinerator was found during a raid on a Pogo complex in Porac town, becoming a subject of interest in the investigation.
READ: 9 foreigners found dead and scattered in Pampanga
However, PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said in a news forum that there is no evidence yet linking the incinerator found in the raided Pogo complex to the dead bodies.
“Now, as to the incinerator, until such time that we will be able to find a link, between the dead bodies and the incinerator, it would just remain as incinerator,” Casio said.
READ: PAOCC has leads on alleged leak of Pogo raid plans – spokesperson
PAOCC also said that the presence of an incinerator in the Pogo complex can mean a violation of the Clean Air Act if found that it has no permit.
A raid conducted last month in a Pogo complex in Porac rescued 186 individuals, who were believed to be victims of human trafficking. Some were reportedly tortured and sexually trafficked.
According to Alejandro Tengco, chair of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), around 250-300 Pogos are reported to be operating illegally in the country, while only 46 are legitimate operators.