Palace orders deportation of 42 foreign POGO workers in Bataan

Malacañang has ordered the deportation of 42 foreigners who were arrested in a raid at an alleged illegal Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) firm in Bagac, Bataan.

In a memorandum dated November 12, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin — who also sits as chairperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) — instructed the Department of Justice (DOJ), and Bureau of Immigration (BI) to facilitate the deportation process of the foreigners who are temporarily staying at a detention facility in Pasay City.

“On October 31, 2024, the PAOCC conducted a successful law enforcement operation against Central One, an illegal Offshore Gaming Operation masquerading as a business process outsource operating in Centro Park, Barangay Parang, Bagac Bataan. This resulted in the arrest of 42 foreign nationals that will be subjected to the deportation process,” said Bersamin.

“Considering these, the DOJ and the Bl are hereby directed to facilitate the summary deportation of the foreign nationals apprehended and subsequently transferred to the temporary detention facility in NASDAKE Building located at #50 Williams St., cor. FB Harrison St., Pasay City, and blacklist said individuals to bar their re-entry into the Philippines subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” he added.

Authorities last week uncovered what they said is an illegal gambling operation when they raided a business process outsourcing firm in Bataan due to alleged labor trafficking. More than 40 foreigners were nabbed in the operation.

Among the arrested POGO workers is an Indonesian who is wanted in his country for alleged scamming activities, money laundering, as well as online gambling. —Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News