A total of 186 foreign and Filipino workers were rescued on June 5, 2024, from another sprawling Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) complex in Porac, Pampanga. INQUIRER file photo / Jun Malig
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 156 foreign nationals apprehended in the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub in Porac, Pampanga will be deported, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said on Thursday.
PAOCC Chair Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin also ordered the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the assets of the Lucky South 99 Pogo hub.
READ: Pogo crackdown widens; ‘250 to 300’ not licensed
In a letter addressed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco, Bersamin said “the DOJ and BI are…directed to facilitate the summary deportation of the foreign nationals apprehended.”
In another letter addressed to the AMLC, Bersamin directed the council “to apply for a freeze order or a provisional asset preservation order from the appropriate court.”
READ: Pampanga Pogo linked to scams, trafficking; 186 rescued in raid
The Porac Pogo hub raid stemmed from video evidence of torture victims in the facilities. During the raid, authorities found illegal drugs and evidence of torture.
“We are proceeding with the summary deportation of all foreign nationals found in the Lucky South 99 raid. Also, we will proceed with the preservation order of the Lucky South 99 property,” said PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio.