The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has announced a temporary suspension of its operations targeting over 9,000 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers due to severe overcrowding in detention facilities.
According to The Philippine Star, PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio revealed that 947 foreign workers remain in custody at the agency’s Pasay detention center as they await deportation.
Government Struggles with Deportation Logistics
Casio confirmed on Saturday that deportation paperwork is still being processed, with more repatriations expected in the coming days. To address the overcrowding crisis, authorities are considering converting an additional Pasay building—currently under forfeiture proceedings—into a detention facility.
“Once we secure additional personnel, we hope to use the Pasay building as a custodial facility,” Casio stated.
Detainee Welfare and Medical Support
In adherence to international human rights standards, the Philippine government provides weekly medical and dental checkups for detained individuals, especially those facing immigration-related offenses.
Key welfare measures include:
– Free medicines & laboratory services
– Transfers to government hospitals for critical care
– PHP2 million ($34,900) monthly budget for food & medical aid
– Private hospitalization for those who can afford it, with PAOCC escorts
Authorities have reported cases of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, HIV, and respiratory infections among detainees. To prevent potential outbreaks, individuals diagnosed with contagious illnesses are quarantined separately from the general population.
Next Steps for POGO Crackdown
As deportation efforts continue, the PAOCC is reassessing its strategies to ensure compliance with legal and humanitarian obligations while maintaining its crackdown on illegal POGO activities. Further operations will likely resume once detention and deportation logistics are improved.
