DoJ tackles illicit operations, secures major wins in 2024

It was indeed a tumultuous year for the Department of Justice (DoJ) as it confronted challenges from powerful figures posing as legitimate business people, but who in reality were running illicit operations that victimized many.

One major challenge was the issue of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) which were being run by shadowy characters, mostly Chinese nationals. The DoJ’s investigation into POGOs uncovered links to human trafficking and criminal syndicates.

This prompted Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla to issue a stern warning on 9 June 2024 to the foreign nationals involved in illegal activities that “extreme” legal consequences awaited them.

Secretary Remulla issued the warning after authorities raided another illegal POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. The raid was led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, in coordination with the DoJ’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies.

The National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration were directed by Remulla to take charge of the case, file charges if warranted, and immediately deport those proven to have violated immigration laws. He also encouraged “witnesses to boldly come forward and testify so that the efforts would not go to waste.”

Reports indicated that the raided POGO hub, identified as Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., occupied the largest facility in Pampanga and was allegedly involved in prostitution, human trafficking, scams, and other unlawful activities. The rescue operation was prompted by reports of sex trafficking and the torture of foreign nationals working at the hub.

Then the arrest of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who was accused of trafficking workers for illegal POGOs, sent shock waves through the country. Guo, who was removed from her post as mayor, is now in custody at the Pasig City Jail for qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense. Her escape from the country before her arrest angered Remulla, who hinted that some BI officials and personnel may have been complicit in the escape.

The first official to be dismissed was Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, shortly after President Marcos vowed that “heads will roll” following Guo’s escape from the Philippines. The dismissal of Tansingco came on the recommendation of Remulla, which was accepted by the President.

“Yes, the President and I have come to an agreement… he (Tansingco) will be replaced,” Remulla was quoted as saying on 10 September 2024. He further stated, “I’m not satisfied. Marami kaming naging problema (We had a lot of problems).”

Meanwhile, the DoJ, under the leadership of Remulla, is also pursuing former Bureau of Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag, who is accused of masterminding the assassination of journalist Percy Lapid in Las Piñas City on 3 October 2022.

Additionally, former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., linked to the daylight murder of Governor Roel Degamo, is fighting his extradition from Timor-Leste.