OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two Chinese allegedly involved in illegal recruitment and human trafficking in a raid in Mabalacat, Pampanga last Tuesday.
The operation also resulted in the rescue of 13 victims, including three children, the CIDG said in a statement.
The raid was conducted at 5:30 a.m. inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat by virtue of seven search warrants for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) as amended by RA 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012), the CIDG said.
This led to the arrest of two suspects identified by their aliases as Tiago and Tian Zhuhe. CIDG investigators are preparing criminal charges against the two.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of P167,400 in cash.
The CIDG said the search warrants, issued by a Pampanga court, were enforced in an “orderly manner.”
It said the raid was witnessed by security officers of the compound and representatives from the Clark Development Corporation.
CIDG spokesperson Lt. Col. Imelda Reyes could not immediately say if the raid targeted an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub.
“It’s the implementation of the search warrants… Our focus is (RA) 9208, human trafficking,” said Reyes.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said: “The CIDG has once again proven that neither foreign nationals nor locals can’t stop us from keeping the communities safe and secure.
“We will be stringent and persistent in implementing our anti-criminality campaigns against those who desire to cause trouble in the country because what the PNP wants is your (public) safety,” added Francisco.
