The Philippine government has mandated the swift deportation of 42 foreign nationals detained in Bagac, Bataan. The detainees were apprehended during a raid on an illegal offshore gaming operation at a business process outsourcing (BPO) site. Both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have been instructed by Malacañang to expedite this process.
The operation was conducted as part of a larger crackdown on illegal offshore gaming hubs in the country. The raid targeted the facility in Bagac following reports that it was being used as an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub. The facility was disguised as a business process outsourcing center but was reportedly primarily functioning as a gambling operation.
The 42 foreigners, whose nationalities have not yet been specified, were working in this illegal operation. They were arrested during the raid and are now awaiting deportation. The officials from the DOJ and the BI are working to ensure a smooth and swift deportation process, in line with the directive from Malacañang.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin explained the urgency of the deportation, emphasizing the government’s firm stance against illegal gaming operations. The government is taking a zero-tolerance policy toward such illegal activities, aiming to prevent the proliferation of unregulated gambling in the Philippines. The crackdown comes amid ongoing efforts to regulate and oversee gaming operations within the country.
Security personnel who conducted the raid reported the presence of numerous computers and equipment used for gaming and gambling activities. The raid also uncovered substantial evidence of the illegal operations, which prompted the immediate arrest of the involved individuals. The authorities are currently assessing the extent of the operation and its possible connections to other illegal activities.
The anti-crime body involved in the raid has underscored the potential impact of illegal offshore gaming operations on local communities. Concerns include money laundering and other illicit activities often associated with such unregulated operations. The government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and upholding the legal gaming framework in the country.
Bataan Representative Abet Garcia has been noted for his involvement in the situation, having taken temporary custody of the detained individuals. However, this custody arrangement is expected to be adjusted following the government’s deportation order. The specifics of this adjustment have yet to be made public.
Authorities are also investigating any possible connections between the Bagac operation and other illegal gaming hubs in the region. The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle any networks supporting the operation of illegal POGOs. The government believes that these actions will send a strong message to those involved in or considering engaging in such activities.