MANILA – The Department of Justice will investigate the alleged "mass grave" inside Lucky South 99, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO), raided by authorities in Porac, Pampanga.

• DOJ OKs trafficking, kidnapping raps vs 2 Chinese nationals over Porac POGO

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Thursday the agency is taking the allegations "seriously."

"It's a very serious matter that we cannot take for granted... Remember wala pa tayo sa investigation ng mass grave sa Pampanga. Yan ay inu-undertake pa lang," he said. 

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio said on Wednesday it is securing a search warrant to check the claims. 

• PAOCC to search for bodies allegedly buried in Porac POGO hub

PAOCC received reports that several people were allegedly buried inside the illegal gambling hub in Pampanga. 

Casio said witnesses have identified the locations where the PAOCC hopes to dig up once they secure a warrant. 

Earlier in the day, the DOJ recommended the filing of qualified trafficking and kidnapping for ransom charges against two workers of Lucky South 99. 

The DOJ said the "prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction" exists to charge the two Chinese nationals. 

"Yung organized crime nila lumipat dito. Nag dala sila ng lagim kaya nga yan ang isang dahilan kung bakit nangayaw na ang pangulo sa POGO. Kasi kasama na yung social ills saka yung criminal, criminal aspect na hindi talaga katanggap tanggap sa atin," Remulla said.

RELATED VIDEO