Chinese fugitives found at Tarlac scam hub

Six Chinese Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers who were earlier raided in a scam hub in Bamban, Tarlac were found to be fugitives facing charges in their country.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Saleema Refran, the Chinese had warrants of arrest for fraud, operating gambling dens and other crimes.

Another fugitive from Taiwan is also being held separately by authorities.

"Hindi lang naman kasi ito 'yung first time tayong nakahuli ng mga kriminal na nagtatago sa mga POGO hubs...Wala silang ginagawang background verification doon sa pumapasok sa kanila," Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

(This is not the first time we found criminals hiding in POGOs.  These firms do not do background verification on their employees.)

"Siguro 'yung may mga criminal backgrounds ito yung ginagamit nila na enforcers nila or those involved in like torture, physical injuries o kaya pananakit, pang eextort doon sa mga ka-pogo workers din," he added.

"Maybe they hire those with criminals backgrounds as enforcers or those whom they involve in torture, physical abuse or extortion of their fellow POGO workers.)

Cruz said PAOCC has coordinated with the Philippine Amusement in Gaming Corporation in strictly enforcing the issuance of permits to POGO workers.

Authorities raided the Zun Yuan Technology in March this year over alleged illegal detention and physical abuse of some workers.  The company has denied the allegations.—LDF, GMA Integrated News