POGO operators and workers in Davao del Norte. Handout/NBI SEMRO

MANILA -- The National Bureau of Investigation in the Southeastern Mindanao Region has confirmed that the 60 individuals suspected of being illegal POGO workers and arrested in a suspected POGO hub in Brgy. Manay, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, on Friday are still in their custody. 

Atty. Archie Albao, the director of NBI SEMRO, stated on Saturday that charges will be filed against the 56 Chinese nationals, three Malaysians, and one Filipina. However, the agency is still in the process of assessing the cases to determine the specific charges to be filed. 

The Filipino owner of the warehouse turned POGO hub will also be subjected to a subpoena on why the illegal operation was allowed in the property. 

187 Chinese set for deportation over POGOs

Albao earlier said the POGO operation came from Luzon and was brought to Davao del Norte about three months ago following the crackdown against POGOs in Metro Manila and Central Luzon. 

He also said that local officials may be involved in protecting the POGO operations in the city. 

"Initial information na nakuha natin na may officials from the government na nagpo-protect dito, so iniimbestigahan namin," Albao said. 

"May dalawang nagpapanggap na NBI agents para i-accommodate dito kung saan nila nakuha ang location," he added. 

Meanwhile, Panabo City Mayor Jose Relampagos expressed his gratitude to the authorities for the discovery of the POGO hub and the arrest of its alleged workers. 

Suspected POGO hub in Davao del Norte yields dozens of foreigners

Relampagos said that the existence of POGO in the city not just violated local laws, but also endangers the peace and order of Panabo City. 

"Kining paspas ug mahukmanong aksyon gikinahanglan aron mawagtang ang posibleng mga hulga ug mapasig-uli ang kalinaw ug kahusay sa atong mga kasilinganan," he said in a statement. 

(This swift and decisive action is necessary to eliminate potential threats and restore peace and order in our communities.) 

The NBI earlier said their office first received an information from a certain Ruby Lim, a Malaysian national, saying she was abducted by group of Chinese nationals and were brought to Panabo City. 

After three days of surveillance, the NBI was able to locate the warehouse, and noticed Chinese nationals going in and out of the establishment. The NBI immediately launched a raid in the area, but failed to rescue Lim.