DOJ recommends trafficking, kidnapping charges for POGO workers

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended filing charges against two workers from a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm in Porac, Pampanga.

One respondent faces a qualified trafficking charge while the other is facing a kidnapping charge; however, the DOJ dismissed complaints of kidnapping and serious illegal detention but found sufficient evidence to indict Jiang Shi Guang for trafficking and Qin Ren Guo for kidnapping.

Complainants reported being recruited under false pretenses, sold into forced labor as scammers, and tortured when they attempted to leave or contacted their families for help.

In June, authorities raided the Lucky South 99 firm, rescuing over 150 foreign nationals who were victims of human trafficking; one victim was found covered in bruises after being allegedly tortured with a baseball bat and another was tied to a bed frame.

The DOJ's recommendation follows a complaint filed by two Chinese nationals in July alleging forced labor and torture.