Malacañang Palace has ordered the deportation of 42 foreigners arrested during a controversial anti-POGO raid in Bagac, Bataan.
Malacañang Palace on Wednesday issued an order for the deportation of 42 foreign nationals apprehended during a controversial raid on an alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bagac, Bataan.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who also heads the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to expedite the deportation process and place the foreigners under the custody of the PAOCC in Pasay City.
"Considering these, the DOJ and the BI are hereby directed to facilitate the summary deportation of the foreign nationals apprehended and subsequently transferred to the temporary detention facility [and] blacklist said individuals to bar their re-entry into the Philippines subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations," Bersamin stated.
The 42 foreign nationals were arrested on October 31, 2023, during a joint operation conducted by the PAOCC and the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the Central One PH office in Bagac. Authorities alleged that the office was involved in illegal gambling activities, including labor trafficking.
However, the operation has been marred by controversy, with former PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio being dismissed for allegedly assaulting a worker during the raid. Additionally, Central One PH has questioned the legality of the operation, claiming that police authorities also tampered with security cameras on the premises.
Central One PH, which insists that it was not operating a POGO, has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the deportation order. The company plans to file legal charges against those responsible for the raid, alleging that it was conducted without proper legal authority.
As the controversy surrounding the POGO raid continues to unfold, the government's decision to deport the foreign nationals highlights the increasing scrutiny on the POGO industry and its potential impact on national security and public order.
Read related article: 700 Filipinos Rescued From Bataan POGO Hub Involved in Online Sports Betting Scams
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