NBI files trafficking charges against 17 in POGO raid
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Central Visayas filed human trafficking charges against 16 foreign nationals and one Filipino individual on Wednesday following a raid last week at a Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) hub in Lapu-Lapu City.
Lawyer Renan Oliva identified the accused as violators of Republic Act 9208, which pertains to qualified trafficking in persons.
The rescued 162 foreign nationals will be moved to Manila for deportation proceedings, while the Bureau of Immigration will conduct separate inquest proceedings for undocumented aliens and those working without proper visas.
Zandrew Magdaluyo Cantarona, a Filipino national, is charged as an accessory to the crime after authorities found him bringing 51 Indonesian passports on behalf of his Chinese employer.
Additionally, all 169 foreign nationals were also charged with immigration law violations for being undocumented and working without proper visas.
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