The government is investigating the possible connection between the nine foreigners found dead in Pampanga and the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operating illegally in the country.

According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), a subject of interest in the probe is the incinerator found by policemen when they raided a POGO complex in Porac, Pampanga.

The incinerator found during the raid is suspected to be used in torture. However, PAOCC  spokesman Winston Casio said until they could link the bodies and the incinerator, the machine would just remain as such.

"We need to find evidence that would link the incinerator to any commission of the crime, none so far," he said.

"We have to find a definite link. Otherwise, it would remain as conjectural,"  he added.

At any rate, Casio said the presence of the incinerator in the POGO complex could be in violation of the law.

"Mahirap kasing mag-conclude (It's difficult to conclude) right there and then that  [the incinerator] is [an] implement of torture, an instrument of murder," he said.

"At the very least, kapag walang (If it had no) permit, let's say is a violation of the Clean Air Act,” he added.

Authorities rescued suspected 186 human trafficking victims when they raided the POGO complex in Porac. Some of them were believed to have been tortured. Women were allegedly sold for sex.

Casio earlier said that PAOCC is mulling proposing the gradual phaseout of POGOs due to the illegal activities linked to the industry.