The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that it has approved the allocation of 50 million pesos in special funds to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to expedite the deportation of foreign workers detained for involvement in illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators). This is an important step in the Philippine government's efforts to combat illegal POGO activities, aimed at alleviating the pressure on custodial agencies and maintaining public order.
Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, revealed that the funds will be disbursed in two tranches, each amounting to 25 million pesos. The first tranche was officially allocated on June 30 through a memorandum signed with the Bureau of Immigration. The funds are primarily used to pay for the repatriation airfare and related humanitarian assistance costs of the detained foreign workers, ensuring that the deportation process is legal and humane.
Tengco pointed out that many of the arrested illegal POGO workers have limited economic means and cannot afford the cost of returning home. PAGCOR's funding plan is designed to ensure that they can return to their countries within a framework that respects human rights and legal standards, avoiding further exacerbation of detention issues.
Joel Anthony Viado, Director of the Bureau of Immigration, stated in an interview that expediting the deportation of illegal foreign workers is crucial for maintaining public safety in the Philippines. A large number of detainees not only increases security risks but also imposes a heavy burden on custodial institutions. He said, "This funding will help us quickly clear illegal detainees, ensuring the safety and stability of the living environment for the people of the Philippines."
Currently, some of the detained foreign workers are still held at the immigration detention center in Camp Bagong Diwa. Officials emphasized that this special allocation not only reflects the need for law enforcement efficiency but also demonstrates the Philippine government's sense of responsibility in humanitarian aspects, committed to ensuring that the deportation process respects the basic rights of the deportees.
As the issue of illegal POGO continues to receive attention from the Philippine government, this funding and subsequent deportation actions will help accelerate the rectification process, maintain national legal order and social stability, and prevent the further spread of illegal gambling activities.
