DOJ to seek search warrant for POGO mass grave probe

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek a court-issued search warrant to investigate alleged mass graves within the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.

DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix L. Ty stated that coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and law enforcement is underway to prepare the application for the search warrant, which they hope to file next week.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla previously announced the DOJ's serious investigation into claims of buried individuals at the illegal gambling hub.

Ty mentioned that they believe the remains are located inside the POGO compound.

The DOJ had previously recommended qualified trafficking and kidnapping for ransom charges against two Chinese nationals associated with Lucky South 99.

Remulla cited the association of POGOs with organized crime as a primary reason for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s decision to reject further POGO operations.