MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking into the circumstances of uncovered mass graves in Porac, Pampanga apparently arising from operations of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. decided to totally ban POGOs in the country due to their organized crimes.
“Yung organized crime nila, lumipat dito, nagdala ng lagim, kaya nga yan ang isang dahilan kung bakit nangayaw na ang Pangulo sa POGO kasi kasama na ang social ills at criminal aspect na hindi talaga katanggap-tanggap sa atin,” Remulla said.
“Seryoso tayo diyan, it’s a very serious matter that we cannot take for granted. The fact proven na ‘yung existing grave site, it will not be a surprise to us kung meron pang ibang ginawang krimen,” he added.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio has earlier said that investigators conducting case build-up against operators of Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind corporation have been receiving reports that bodies have been allegedly buried in the raided compound.
“Some reports were sent through various social media platforms. Likewise, some witnesses have approached the group alleging personal knowledge of these crimes,” Casio said.
“Over the weekend, prosecutors, PNP-CIDG (Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) investigators, officers of PAOCC, and witnesses have identified possible burial locations,” he added.
“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,” he said.
Casio further said that if the reports of mass graves are proven to be true, they will bring the perpetrators to justice. If not, then they pursue other investigative leads./PN
