SEN. Raffy Rulfo has asked the Philippine National Police if it had proper coordination with the immigration officers, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and labor agencies in addressing issues related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Tulfo asked this regarding the raid conducted by authorities on a POGO hub Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. or Hong Tai in Las Piñas City last June 27 wherein about 2,714 workers were rescued–1,284 of which were foreign nationals and 1,430 Filipinos.

It can be noted that an undetermined amount of cash and several firearms were seized by the raiding teams on the premises of “Hong Tai” Compound. Computers and phones were also seized for forensic examination to check if they were being used for illegal activities, such as crypto scams, love scams and other investment scams

Tulfo asked the police why the issue remains unclear, particularly the criminal liability of the people behind Xinchuang that are involved in illicit activities.

Seven fugitives, 4 Chinese and 3 Taiwanese working for Xinchuang, have been caught and turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation but Tulfo maintained that investigation should first find out if they are guilty of human trafficking before deporting them.

Tulfo likewise revealed that a reliable source from Camp Crame divulged that cops are using the foreign nationals as milking cows by asking money from them in exchange for their freedom.

He also blasted the move by authorities to clear and allow all 1,528 Filipino POGO workers to leave the premises in Las Piñas City without properly investigating whether they are really victims or complicit to the crime.

The Senator from Isabela and Davao questioned if background checks have already been conducted on Filipino directors of Xinchuang namely Dianica Mensah, Oliver Ong, Divina Vidal, Dinalyn Vidal and Daisy Vidal Cidro who could all be guilty of crimes.

Tulfo underscored the need to assess the effectiveness of PAGCOR in fulfilling its regulatory mandate, ensuring proper coordination with other agencies, and protecting the rights and welfare of POGO workers.

It can be noted that Tulfo filed a Resolution and issued a statement about POGO-related illegal activities after an American complained through his program “Wanted sa Radyo” about being love-scammed.

Said foreigner met the lovely young Filipina through a dating app called PinaLove. He was later scammed by $12,000 or about P650,000.00.

The woman suspect initially denied having any involvement with the scam, saying her picture was just used.

But when they met to-face and when the Pinay was challenged to undergo a lie-detector test, she eventually admitted that she was employed by a POGO operator in Las Piñas. She, however, has since resigned from the POGO industry.

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