23 Thai nationals working for POGO rescued in Clark

Twenty-three Thai nationals working for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) company in Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat, Pampanga were rescued by authorities on Sunday.

The Thai Embassy said the workers were not being paid for their overtime work. The employer also took the workers' passports, it added, according to a report by Nico Waje on GMA News' Unang Balita on Monday.

"Lumapit po sa atin ang Thailand Embassy na kung saan ni-report nila na mayroong mga Thailander sa may Clark sa may Mabalacat, Pampanga. Sila daw ay pinagtatrabaho ng sobra sa oras at hindi sila binabayaran ng overtime pay," Southern Police District Director Police Brigadier General John Kirby Kraft said.

(The Thailand Embassy went to us and reported that there were Thailanders in Clark in Mabalacat, Pampanga. They were reportedly working beyond their required number of hours and were not being given their overtime pay.)

"Ni-recruit sila sa kanilang bansa at pinangakuan ng malaking pasahod kung magtatrabaho sila dito sa PIlipinas," Kraft added.

(They were recruited in their country and were promised hefty salaries if they will work here in the Philippines.)

The rescued Thai nationals are now in the custody of the Thai Embassy.

Their passports were given back to them.

Authorities are meanwhile checking if the said POGO is legitimate.

The Thai Embassy decided not to pursue a case against the company.

GMA News has sought the side of the said POGO company for comment. —KG, GMA News