Over 2,000 people, including foreigners, were saved from a joint raid by the Philippine National Police – Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Las Piñas City.
PNP-ACG spokesperson P/Capt. Michelle Sabino reported that out of the total number of rescued individuals, over 1,500 were Filipinos, while the remaining were foreigners.
The majority of those rescued were from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, as well as India, Africa, and other Middle Eastern countries.
The operation was launched after the authorities obtained a search warrant from the court based on violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
Sabino revealed that the rescued individuals identified themselves as employees of an online casino, which operated from noon until midnight and were rarely allowed to leave.
The foreign victims were also apparent victims of illegal recruitment, lured with the promise of high salaries.
The operation and investigation are still ongoing, with the PNP-ACG confirming that their personnel have already secured the compound.
The agency assured the public that they will apprehend the masterminds behind the scams and human trafficking in the city.
