Colmenares Stresses Importance of Congressional Probe into POGOs Despite Looming ICC Arrests

August 19, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Bayan Muna Chairperson Neri Colmenares underscored the necessity of a congressional investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the war on drugs led by former President Rodrigo Duterte. The former lawmaker said that the House probe into Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) must go on despite reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may soon issue arrest warrants.

On August 16, 2024, Colmenares emphasized that such investigations, particularly those to be conducted by several House committees, are crucial for strengthening cases against those accused of masterminding the EJKs.

“Mahalaga na ituloy pa din ang mga investigations ng Congress like the quad-comm on the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) at Pogos dahil makakatulong ito sa pagpapatibay ng kaso laban sa mga masterminds and perpetrators ng EJKs,” Colmenares was quoted as saying in a report published by the Inquirer.

He further highlighted that the pursuit of justice for EJK victims should not be solely reliant on international mechanisms. “The pursuit of justice for the victims of EJKs must not rely solely on international mechanisms. Our own legislative bodies have the responsibility to uncover the truth and hold accountable those responsible for these heinous acts,” Colmenares stated.

He also urged lawmakers to prioritize these investigations and ensure that they proceed without interference. “We call on lawmakers to prioritize these investigations and ensure that they proceed without interference or delay,” he added.

The House of Representatives has tasked multiple committees to explore potential links between illegal activities within Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) hubs, the illicit drug trade, and the alleged human rights violations associated with the drug war. The first round of discussions on these issues was scheduled to take place at an off-site hearing in Bacolor, Pampanga.

House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chairperson and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers explained that the hearing is being held in Pampanga because many of these issues originated in the province. Barbers’ panel previously investigated a controlled delivery operation where illegal drugs were traced from the Port of Subic to a warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga.

Lawmakers discovered that the warehouse was owned by Empire 999 Realty Corporation, controlled by a certain Willie Ong, whom Barbers and other panel members suspect of being a Chinese national illegally acquiring land in Pampanga.

Meanwhile, the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, chaired by Santa Rosa City Representative Dan Fernandez, has focused on issues related to a POGO hub in Porac, one of two Central Luzon gaming sites raided over human trafficking allegations. The June 4 raid on the Porac POGO hub led to the rescue of 186 foreign and Filipino workers. In Bamban, Tarlac, authorities discovered 371 Filipinos and 497 foreigners working at another gaming site.

Fernandez noted that the close ties between individuals involved in the drug bust and POGO operations were also a significant factor in the investigation.

In addition to the committees chaired by Barbers and Fernandez, the House Committee on Human Rights and the Committee on Public Accounts are also involved in the joint hearings.