Personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office-7 (Central Visayas) joined a police operation on Saturday (August 31) aimed at rescuing local and foreign trafficking victims from an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub located at the Tourist Garden Hotel in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu province.
Operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), along with agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Armed Forces’ Military Intelligence Group 7, Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), which is co-chaired by the DSWD, conducted the joint operation based on highly-reliable intelligence reports.
The joint police operation resulted in the rescue of 10 Filipino women and a minor who are now being profiled and processed by social workers of the DSWD.
“The DSWD ensures the protection of women and children during rescue operations and that their rights are being observed and respected,” DSWD FO-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero said.
Director Lucero said the DSWD will also provide the rescued trafficking victims with temporary shelter, psychosocial support and counseling, medical and other services, as well as referral to concerned agencies for other needed interventions.
At least 162 foreigners were found working in the illegal POGO hub and will face inquest proceedings in Manila.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will provide the necessary services needed by the rescued foreign nationals.
