In line with the guidance from the Secretary of Interior and Local Government Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., and the directive from PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil to intensify the crackdown on criminal activities, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking (IACAT) and allied law enforcement agencies, have made significant progress in a major human trafficking case.

Following extensive investigations conducted by the inter-agency committee, additional charges have been filed under Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by R.A. No. 10364 and R.A. No. 11862 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), against multiple individuals implicated in major trafficking case currently pending before the Regional Trial Court of Tarlac, Branch 66.

Initially, on March 18, 2024, human trafficking cases were filed against Walter Wong Long and six other foreign nationals, emanating from the raid conducted by joint elements of PNP-CIDG and PAOCC on March 13, 2024, involving Zun Yuan Technology Inc. inside the Baofu Compound located in Bamban, Tarlac.

Upon review and assessment of documents and other pieces of evidence, the case was expanded to include new respondents, Alice Leal Guo a.k.a. Guo Hua Ping and thirteen individuals, including corporate officers of Baofu Land Development, Inc., Hongsheng Gaming Technology, Inc., and Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated, who allegedly conspired and committed human trafficking activities inside the Baofo compound.

The Motion to Admit Complaint and Additional Respondents filed today by the authorities underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensure all perpetrators of serious offenses will be prosecuted.

PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco D Marbil highlighted the significance of these developments, affirming, “The government, through the Department of Justice, sends a strong message to all illegal POGO operators: the long arm of the law will catch you and bring you to justice. The PNP remains steadfast in its duty to safeguard the rights and welfare of every individual and will vigorously pursue those engaged in exploitative and unlawful activities.”

SILG, Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. has also voiced strong support for these actions, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts among various agencies to combat human trafficking effectively. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards such crimes and assured the public of continued vigilance and enforcement.