THE government is looking into the possible link between the nine foreigners found dead in Pampanga and the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operating illegally in the country.
According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), an investigation is being conducted to find out if the illegal POGOs have something to do with the death of the foreigners.
A subject of interest in the probe is the incinerator found by policemen when they raided a POGO complex in Porac, Pampanga. The incinerator found during the raid is suspected to be used in torture.
“Now, as to 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,” PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio said.
“We need to find evidence that would link the incinerator to any commission of the crime, none so far,” he added.
“We have to find a definite link. Otherwise, it would remain as conjectural,” Casio said. “Mahirap kasing mag-conclude right there and then that [the incinerator] is [an] implement of torture, an instrument of murder.”
At any rate, the PAOCC said the presence of the incinerator in the POGO complex could be in violation of the law. “At the very least, kapag walang permit, let say is a violation of Clean Air Act,” Casio said.
Last month, authorities raided the POGO complex in Porac. They rescued 186 persons believed to be victims of human trafficking. Some of them were believed to have been tortured. Women were allegedly sold for sex.
