THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday that they were able to rescue two Thai workers of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

In a statement, the PNP said that on August 3, the Luzon Field Unit of the Women and Children Protection Center launched the operation after verifying information that the two rescued individuals were victims of human trafficking.

The PNP said that based on the reports that they received, the victims were forced to work in POGO operations in the country.

“We are taking our anti-criminality approach from a holistic perspective. Trafficking in persons is a grave concern that needs a strong police-community partnership to achieve our ultimate goal of combating this transnational organized crime,” PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said.

The said operation was a result of a concerted effort between the PNP and the Mabalacat City Social Welfare and Development Office.

“We will coordinate with the proper agencies and our counterparts in the Royal Thai Police Force to inform them of the condition of the victims,” Azurin said.

The rescued workers are undergoing medical evaluation before being turned over to their families or officials from their Thailand Embassy.

The PNP is also looking into the POGO operator as to its legality of operations.