Police Colonel Levi Hope Basilio, director of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, was relieved from his post on June 10 to ensure a fair investigation into the recent raid of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
The raid on the Lucky South 99 Pogo hub, conducted on June 4 by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and Philippine National Police units, resulted in the apprehension of over 190 individuals.
Over 150 foreigners, including Chinese, Malaysian, Burmese, and Vietnamese citizens, were rescued, some of whom were victims of torture and kidnapping.
The operation was initiated based on a warrant from the Malolos Regional Trial Court, Branch 14, targeting officers and employees of Lucky South 99 due to credible reports of sexual trafficking and torture.
A continued search of the facility uncovered alleged Chinese military uniforms, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines suggested could have been used as props for online scams.
Following these events, several senators have called for a total ban on POGOs in the country, and a related bill has been filed in the House of Representatives.
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