CEBU CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) has charged 16 foreigners with qualified human trafficking after a recent raid at a suspected Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) hub in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City. The raid, which took place last August 31, led to the rescue of over 100 foreign workers who were allegedly forced to carry out online scams after being deceived into coming to the country. The individuals charged with qualified human trafficking are Zhao Shao Qi, alias Lao Fan; Zhao Long, alias Xiao Long; Yang Teng Da; Ke Rong Mou, alias Jordan; Ji Hui, alias Xiao Xi; Hu Yonghong; Dai Chun Lin; Zhong Donglin, alias Edison; Lona Halim, alias Grace; Joni, alias Gio; San Thwe Thwe; Luo Peng, alias Alang; Ma Yi; Shen Wen Xia, alias Xi Xi; Zhuang Jian Guo, alias Wang Fang; and Wen Qi Zhen. Additionally, Filipino Zandrew Magdaluyo Cantarona faces charges as an accessory after he was caught in possession of passports of 51 Indonesians who worked at the POGO hub. NBI-7 director Renan Oliva said that a hotel employee, who allegedly attempted to remove a box containing P8 million in cash suspected to be linked in the illegal operations, is under investigation and may also face charges. The NBI-7 initiated the charges after an inquest on Tuesday. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has identified five Filipinos who will testify against the accused. These witnesses, previously involved in another POGO hub in Pampanga, claim that the foreigners and their Filipino associates were part of an illegal operation that authorities shut down in June 2024. The raid followed a tip-off from the Indonesian embassy, which alerted authorities to the plight of three Indonesian nationals who had escaped from the Tourist Garden Hotel, where they had been unlawfully detained. The operation resulted in the rescue of 93 Chinese, 69 Indonesians, six Burmese and one Malaysian. The NBI claimed the POGO hub coerced these individuals into participating in internet-based scams. Following the raid, the Bureau of Immigration charged the rescued foreigners for lacking proper documentation and working without valid visas. On Sept. 4, 2024, authorities transported all foreigners from the suspected POGO hub to Manila on a C-130 military aircraft. The PAOCC is holding the rescued individuals in Pasay City while preparing for their deportation. Meanwhile, the 16 accused individuals remain in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. NBI-7 continues its investigation and is preparing to file additional charges, including potential money laundering accusations against the suspects. Investigators are also seeking a search warrant to examine electronic devices seized during the raid, which may provide further evidence of criminal activities and help identify more victims. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan has ordered the immediate closure of the Tourist Garden Hotel on September 2, saying that the city government was unaware of the illegal POGO activities that took place inside the compound.
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