GOV’T TO PROBE ALLEGED POGO MASS GRAVES IN PORAC

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said it will investigate the reported mass graves of alleged murder victims at the raided Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga.

“Yung organized crime nila, lumipat dito, nagdala ng lagim, kaya nga ‘yan ang isang dahilan kung bakit nangayaw na ang Pangulo (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) sa POGO kasi kasama na ang social ills at criminal aspect na hindi talaga katanggap-tanggap sa atin,” Remulla said in a press briefing.

 “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.

Remulla made the statement while commenting on charges of qualified trafficking on two supposed managers of Porac POGO operations.

In a statement sent to reporters, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio said 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.

According to Casio, the reports are very serious and cannot be taken lightly.

“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.

“PAOCC and the various agencies of the task group have opted to address these reports because we believe that we must not leave any stone unturned,” Casio said.

“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. PAOCC remains committed to following where the evidence leads us,” he added.