DSWD to help families left behind by POGO deportees

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has offered assistance to the families of foreigners who to be deported due to their involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

According to a 24 Oras special report by Sandra Aguinaldo on Wednesday, the parents of these children are now spending what could be their final days together as they await the decision regarding the deportations.

Among them was 21-year old “Jamaica”, who has a five-month old child with a Chinese national who will soon be deported.

“Sana bigyan nila ng chance po na makalaya po yung partner ko. Sana tulungan po nila kami, yung may mga anak po dito sa Pilipinas… kasi yung pamilya ko hindi ko rin po maasahan kasi madami din po kami magkakapatid. Hindi rin po nila ako matulungan, hirap din po kami,” said Jamaica.

(I hope they give my partner a chance to be free. I hope they can help us, those who have children here in the Philippines… because I cannot depend on my family since I also have a lot of siblings. They can’t help me either, we are having difficulties too.)

Her partner said that he had not yet been able to negotiate regarding the possibility of staying in the country.

“He wants to stay… because he’s very fond of his baby… If he was deported, he cannot care for his family,” said the Chinese national via a translator.

DSWD Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said that they are working with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) regarding details for custody turnovers and livelihood assistance for families that would be left behind.

“Meron tayong haven for women and children. Pwedeng diyan muna natin dalhin yung mga nanay at kanilang mga anak. Ikakapacitate natin sila, iimprove natin kanilang skills, livelihood opportunities para sila ay makapagsimula on their own,” said Dumlao.

(We have a haven for women and children. The mothers and their children can stay there for now. We can capacitate them, improve their skills, and provide livelihood opportunities so they can start on their own.)

On Sunday, the PAOCC said it is supporting 15 very young children, aged o to three years old, after their foreigner fathers were deported.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News