As the US grapples with immigration-related issues and serious controversies surrounding the government’s handling of the matter, the Philippines faces its own set of deportation problems. Despite dismantling the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) sector a few months ago, the country continues to struggle with remaining operators that have migrated to the black market and are waging guerrilla warfare in the digital space.
At the same time, the Philippines has had trouble deporting known POGO workers who are unable to afford a plane ticket. Because of that, the PAGCOR has decided to step in and back the efforts.
The Deportations Will Be Done in Accordance with International Laws
According to the PAGCOR’s latest announcement, the organization has approved a PHP 50 million ($888K) grant to the Bureau of Immigration to fund the ongoing deportation of remaining foreign workers serving the illegal offshore gaming sector. The grant was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by representatives of the two agencies on June 30 at the PAGCOR Executive Office in Pasay City.
The regulator noted that the total sum will be released in two equal tranches of PHP 25 million. The first was handed during the ceremonial signing of the memorandum.
This money will cover expenses related to the deportation of illegal POGO workers who are currently being held at the BI Warden Facility and Protection Unit. The PAGCOR said that the people in question will receive assistance in accordance with international laws and humanitarian considerations.
It also noted that the grant is consistent with the organization’s broader effort to keep the local industry “clean, legitimate, and socially responsible.”
The PAGCOR Says This Deportations Are in the Public’s Interest
Alejandro Tengco, the PAGCOR’s chairman, commented on the matter, saying that his team has been working side by side with the Bureau of Immigration to enforce the ban on POGOs. He added that deporting POGO workers is not merely about sending them home but also about ensuring that the local gaming sector remains free of illegal operators’ influence.
Tengco added that he is extremely thankful to the BI and Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
Since I assumed the leadership of PAGCOR, I have always been open to help and collaborate with our partner agencies. We look forward to deepening this collaboration with the BI to help create a safe and progressive place for all Filipinos.
Alejandro Tengco, chair, PAGCOR
Tengco concluded that the deportations will ensure a safer community for locals and are a testament to the government’s desire to put the interests of the Filipinos first.
The Philippines Seeks to Create a Healthy Gaming Market
In other news, the PAGCOR just launched the PAGCOR Guarantee website, which contains information about legal gambling websites available to players in the country. Players can use this service to learn whether a site is safe and legal to play on.
Earlier, lawmakers proposed banning deposits made with e-wallets in order to prevent overspending by local players.