PORAC, Pampanga – Mayor Jaime “Jing” Capil said that no mayor’s permit was issued to Lucky South Outsourcing 99, Inc., which has been the subject of a raid conducted by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recently.
In his speech during the regular Monday flag raising activity, Mayor Capil said Lucky South “was among those establishments in the Negative List of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).”
He said he ordered, at the start of the year, for strict compliance of establishments included in the Negative List.
“Lucky South 99’s failure to comply with the mandatory requirements resulted in the non-renewal of its Mayor’s Permit,” Capil said.
He said the Rescue Operation by the PAOCC on June 4, 2024, which yielded a number of undocumented Chinese and other foreign nationals, “is taken seriously by the Municipality.”
“We laud the efforts of the PAOCC in helping us combat these heinous crimes,” he said.
The mayor added that there is “an ongoing investigation,” on the basis of a prior inspection that the mayor himself ordered, at or about the time of the rescue operation, by reason of local licenses and that required by PAGCOR.
Based on available records, Capil said 40 buildings in the complex have been noted and all have been issued corresponding Building Permits.
Mayor Capil also echoed the stand of the PAGCOR that legitimate POGO entities contribute to nation building.
However, he condemns all heinous crimes, forms of torture and illegal activities clouding what should have been a legitimate business operation. He extended his deep gratitude and full support to the efforts of the PAOCC since the Municipality’s inspection power is limited.
“We fully condemn any act of torture, violence or any form of crime within our territory. Be assured that we are cooperating with the PAOCC, PNP and all authorities in combating all forms of crimes, torture or illegal acts in what shouid have been legitimate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations and activities, ” the mayor said.
He said that as the Local Chief Executive, he continues to ensure that peace and order is a priority and cooperate with the PAOCC, PNP and all agencies involved, employing all available means legally permissible.
“Peace and order is a top priority. The welfare and well being of Poraqueños will never be compromised,” he said.
Last Friday, operatives of the PAOCC raided a 10-hectare Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in this town, which led to the arrest of 187 foreign workers.
Of the total 187 workers rescued, 158 are Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysians, Myanmar and Korean, while 29 are Filipinos.
Armed with search warrant from a court in Central Luzon, PAOCC raided 46 buildings at the compound of Lucky South 99.
PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz said the Pogo in Porac is three times bigger than the one in Bamban, Tarlac.
According to reports, operatives recovered illegal drugs, P600,000 cash and sim cards.
Cruz said two people in the compound who were victims of torture were also rescued.
Another Chinese man was found handcuffed to a bed frame and had bruises on his body.
According to Cruz, the Porac POGO is connected to Zun Yuan Technology of Bamban, Tarlac that was also raided last March due to alleged human trafficking activities.
