The Department of Justice (DoJ) yesterday hailed a lower court ruling convicting a Chinese national of qualified human trafficking, saying it’s a victory for the government’s crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the exploitation of Filipino women.

Justice Assistant Secretary and concurrent spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano likewise congratulated the prosecutors who handled the case at the Pasay City Regional Trial Court.

“It’s a very good news for us. The verdict gave the government the vigor to continue with our fight against human trafficking, most importantly our campaign to end violence against women this month of November and December,” Clavano said.

The Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 113, in a 69-page decision, found Li Yang, alias “Ayang,” guilty of qualified human trafficking.

Li was handed a life sentence without parole and slapped with a hefty P2 million fine.

Two co-accused, Chen Yu Cui and Ede Mae Epal, alias “Miya,” were acquitted due to insufficient evidence and reasonable doubt.

The case stemmed after authorities raided a Pasay condominium on 25 November 2023.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and the PNP Women and Children Protection Center, rescued 14 Filipino women, including one minor.

The brothel, investigators revealed catered exclusively to foreigners employed by POGOs, a sector that has increasingly been linked to scandals.

The court’s verdict highlights the ongoing crackdown on illegal operations linked to the controversial gaming industry, signaling that authorities won’t back down in the fight against exploitation of women.