Sen. Lito Lapid calls for Senate probe into raided POGO hub in Pampanga

Sen. Lito Lapid is calling on the Senate to investigate a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) recently raided by authorities in his home province of Pampanga.

The Senate Committee on Women, led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, has been investigating alleged criminal activities linked to Pogos and now expresses concern over national security following the discovery of suspected Chinese military uniforms inside a Porac POGO hub.

Lapid emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the ownership and operations of Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., which was raided in Porac town and Angeles City, Pampanga on June 4, revealing alleged PLA uniforms that have raised security concerns.

During the raid, more than 190 Filipino and foreign workers were rescued from the illegal offshore gaming firm after reports surfaced about its involvement in human trafficking, with four individuals identified as kidnapping victims.

Hontiveros urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to implement a total ban on POGOs, noting that these hubs have become breeding grounds for crime and national security threats.

The senator highlighted that crimes uncovered at Pogo hubs in Bamban, Tarlac, and Pampanga require swift government action to hold those involved accountable, while Poe noted the financial burden of conducting raids and rescuing workers from illegal operations.