MANILA – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said investigators will look into the circumstances of uncovered mass graves in Porac, Pampanga apparently arising from operations of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
“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 (Their organized crime has moved here, and brought terror, and that is the reason why President Marcos rejected the continuation of POGOs and their social ills and criminal aspects that is unacceptable to us),” Remulla said in a press briefing.
“Seryoso tayo diyan (We are serious about the mass graves), 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 (the existing grave site is already proven, it will not be a surprise to us if there are other crimes committed),” he added.
The DOJ chief 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 said.
Casio said 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. And 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.”
Meanwhile, Remulla said the case involving dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo is “more nuanced and complicated” than earlier thought by authorities.
“Malalim siya, at very sophisticated ang laro niya (She’s playing a sophisticated strategy). Maybe she's just extremely talented, pero hindi siya ordinary, malalim siya (she’s deep and far from ordinary),” he said.
Remulla said there is no indication yet of the source of Guo’s support, but assumed it is from prominent persons.
“I have no idea but it would be the big lords. Marami siyang support na talagang ewan ko kung saan nanggagaling (She has a lot of support and I really do not know where it’s coming from).”
Remulla said they would also include claims made by former senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson Wednesday that a Filipino-Chinese trader was offered PHP1 billion by Guo to help her. (PNA)
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