The Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Philippines has announced plans to investigate reports of mass graves at the raided Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) located in Porac, Pampanga. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla emphasized the gravity of the allegations during a press briefing on Thursday, September 12.
Secretary Remulla underscored the importance of the investigation, stating: “It is a very serious matter that we cannot take for granted.” He acknowledged that, as of now, the DOJ has not yet begun the investigation into the alleged mass graves but assured that it would be undertaken promptly. “The fact that [there is a] proven existing grave site, it would not be a surprise to us if there are others,” Remulla added, as reported by Manila Bulletin.
PAOCC Receives Reports of Buried Bodies
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has also been involved in the case. PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio revealed that during the case build-up against Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corporation, authorities received reports that bodies were allegedly buried within the raided compound. “These are very serious allegations that our task group cannot take lightly,” Casio said.
He noted that investigators and witnesses have identified possible burial locations. “For this reason, we have decided to apply for a search warrant to calm the anxious minds of both the foreign embassies with missing nationals as well as the relatives of those who have disappeared,” Casio added.
Casio stressed the commitment of the PAOCC and other agencies in the Philippines to thoroughly investigate the reports. “PAOCC remains committed to following where the evidence leads us,” he stated. “If the reports are proven to be true, then we will bring the perpetrators to justice. If not, then we will pursue other investigative leads.”
Concerns Over POGO-Related Crimes
Secretary Remulla also commented on the broader issues associated with illegal POGO operations. “Their organized crime has moved here, and brought terror,” he said, referring to criminal elements associated with POGOs. “That is the reason why President [Ferdinand R.] Marcos Jr. rejected the continuation of POGOs because of the social ills and criminal aspects that are unacceptable to us.”
In a related development, the DOJ has recommended the filing of qualified trafficking and kidnapping for ransom charges against two workers of Lucky South 99, according to ABS-CBN News. The DOJ stated that there is “prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction” to charge the two Chinese nationals.
Investigation into Former Mayor’s Involvement
Secretary Remulla, cited by Philippine News Agency, also mentioned that the case involving dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is “more nuanced and complicated” than initially thought. “She’s playing a sophisticated strategy,” Remulla said. He indicated that Guo appears to have significant support but did not specify from whom. “I have no idea but it would be the big lords. She has a lot of support, and I really do not know where it’s coming from,” he remarked.
Remulla added that they would include claims made by former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who alleged that a Filipino-Chinese trader was offered PHP1 billion by Guo to help her.