The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has raised alarming concerns regarding the presence of approximately 9,000 former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers still residing in the country. In a striking statement made during the recent session of the House Quad Committee, PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz revealed that enforcement actions aimed at these estimated 9,000 illegal foreign workers have been temporarily halted due to severe overcrowding at their detention facility in Pasay City.
“We’re facing a critical situation here,” Cruz explained, noting that the facility, which is designed to accommodate detainees, is currently overcrowded with over 600 foreign nationals. This congestion has prompted a pause in their operations, underscoring the pressing need for action amid rapidly growing numbers.
A significant challenge in the deportation process lies in the missing passports of many detainees. Cruz highlighted the troubling reality that many foreign workers who were employed by POGOs had their passports confiscated and are now left without identification, wandering across the Philippines. “This is our major problem,” he said, emphasizing the complexities that arise when foreign nationals lack essential travel documents.
Moreover, the health of several detainees adds another layer of urgency. Cruz disclosed that many have been diagnosed with serious illnesses, including tuberculosis, hepatitis B, respiratory infections, and HIV. “Just three weeks ago, we had to cremate a person living with HIV,” he revealed, underscoring the humanitarian crisis unfolding within the facility.
The PAOCC’s monthly expenditure has increased significantly to around ₱2 million, with a focus on providing food, healthcare, and necessary medical attention to detainees. Faced with these challenges, Cruz proposed a series of strategic measures to tackle the surge in illegal activities effectively. He emphasized the importance of establishing a centralized database for better monitoring and real-time intelligence sharing, along with training local government units to identify and combat underground POGO operations, which have reportedly transformed into guerilla-style tactics.
Cruz also called for stronger coordination with foreign embassies to streamline the deportation process and urged regional collaboration to address the issue comprehensively.
To further amplify their efforts, Cruz stressed the need for a nationwide public information campaign to raise awareness about illegal offshore gaming operations and the vital role community reporting plays in combating this issue. “This is not just about shutting down illegal businesses; it’s about preserving our country’s integrity and ensuring public safety,” he declared, highlighting the Philippines’ firm stance against becoming a sanctuary for criminal activities.
In an impressive display of enforcement, authorities have apprehended 750 foreign nationals in ten primary operations throughout the year. However, the pressure is mounting, as some POGOs have begun relocating their operations to other regions, including the Visayas and Mindanao, and even overseas to countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.
In response to the rising tide of POGO-related crime, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has enacted an immediate nationwide ban on all POGO activities starting July 22, 2024. This decision came in the wake of raids that unveiled horrifying links to torture, romance scams, and various criminal enterprises.
As the PAOCC continues to navigate this complex landscape, the mission remains clear: to protect the integrity of the Philippines and to send a powerful message that the nation will not tolerate crime.
