Nine foreigners murdered, dumped in Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines — Nine foreigners, most of them Chinese nationals, have been killed and their bodies dumped in different areas in Pampanga.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is coordinating with the Pampanga police to get more details about the foreigners, three of whom were found in Porac, Pampanga where an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub, Lucky South 99, was raided for alleged human trafficking and other criminal activities.

At a news forum at the Dapo Restaurant and Bar in Quezon City, PAOCC spokesman Winston John Casio said they have received calls from the embassies of China, Vietnam and Malaysia seeking more details about the foreigners.

Pampanga police director Col. Jay Dimaandal said over radio dwPM six of the victims are Chinese nationals while the others are Vietnamese, Malaysian and Japanese. He did not disclose other details.

Dimaandal said they have filed criminal cases against suspects in eight of the cases while one case, that of a Chinese woman found dead in Mabalacat City last March 7, remains under investigation.

He said the three Chinese citizens found in Porac sustained gunshot wounds. An investigation showed they were kidnapped somewhere in Pasay City.

Another case involved a Vietnamese who was found dead and his remains burned in Bacolor.

Dimaandal said it is too early to say if the killings are connected to Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs.

As a proactive measure, Dimaandal has ordered the deployment of police along expressways and other areas to deter criminals.

“We also directed our chiefs of police to scrutinize all establishments to prevent or deter such crimes,” he said.