CEBU CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Central Visayas has initiated human trafficking charges against 16 foreign nationals and one Filipino following a raid on a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Lapu-Lapu City last week.
According to Philippines News Agency, the charges stem from violations of Republic Act 9208, known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. The foreign nationals charged include Zhao Shao Qi, also known as ‘Lao Fan’, Zhao Long (‘Xiao Long’), and others from various countries who were allegedly involved in the illegal operation. Additionally, Zandrew Magdaluyo Cantarona, a Filipino national, faces charges for being an accessory to the crime. “In total, there are 17 persons that we placed for inquest proceedings this evening,” Oliva detailed in a statement.
Following the raid, 162 foreign nationals were rescued and are set to be transferred to Manila for deportation proceedings under the supervision of the Bureau of Immigration, which will also conduct inquests for those found to be undocumented or working without proper visas. The raid, conducted by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking 7 (IACAT-7) and other key agencies, targeted a facility that was masquerading as a resort.