PNP raids POGO facility in Pampanga, uncovers hidden rooms, torture devices

On Saturday, July 6, local authorities raided a two-hectare private residence suspected of belonging to top executives of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Incorporated in Barangay Sinura, Porac, Pampanga.

The raid was conducted by the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies with support from local government officials, including Governor Dennis 'Delta' Pineda, who posted a video of the search on social media.

Search warrants were issued based on intelligence reports and findings from public hearings regarding violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Authorities discovered an underground tunnel, secret rooms hidden within walls, resort-like amenities such as a swimming pool and KTV bar, alleged torture devices, and 'incriminating' documents.

Despite not finding Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, the subject of the search warrant and an authorized representative of Lucky South 99 in the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, authorities uncovered slugs from 9mm and caliber 45 guns for ballistic examination.

Two Filipino incorporators and six caretakers are under custody, while some structures on the resort lack building permits. The firing range has no permit from the Philippine National Police.