Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 6) – A Senate investigation into the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Pasay City that was raided following reports of illegal activities, including prostitution, was sought on Monday.
During the raid conducted in late October, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said hundreds of Filipinos and foreigners were found to be working on site at Smart Web Technology Corp. (Smart Web).
Two Chinese workers said they were kept against their will, with one claiming they were forced to work at least 12 hours a day.
The PAOCC also said they discovered torture marks on the workers’ bodies while seven Filipinas were found in an \”aquarium-style\” chamber for viewing by clients.
Senator Win Gatchalian filed a resolution calling for a probe into Smart Web’s alleged involvement in prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping for ransom and online scams.
“It is obvious that organized criminal syndicates are already operating in our country as evidenced by the human trafficking victims and even the torture chamber,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
READ: Authorities swoop on alleged POGO hub for human trafficking
