PPO dir relieved for Porac POGO hub probe

The director of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPO), Col. Levi Hope Basilio, was relieved from his post on June 10 to allow a fair investigation into a raid conducted last June 4 at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub in Porac town.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo confirmed the relief of Basilio, stating it was necessary for an impartial probe.

Last week, joint operatives including PAOCC and various PNP units conducted a raid at Lucky South 99 facility in Angeles City, apprehending over 190 individuals inside the complex.

During the Porac raid, more than 150 foreigners were rescued, including Chinese, Malaysian, Burmese, and Vietnamese citizens; some of whom were victims of torture and kidnapping.

The warrant for the operation was issued by Malolos Regional Trial Court Judge Maria Belinda Rama based on reports of sexual trafficking and torture involving foreign nationals.

During the raid, PAOCC discovered what appeared to be Chinese military uniforms and identification cards with multiple names in various areas of the compound.