The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has confirmed that operations against over 9,000 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers have been temporarily suspended due to severe overcrowding in detention facilities.
According to local media outlet The Philippine Star, PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio reported that 947 foreign workers are still being held at the agency’s Pasay detention facility, awaiting deportation to their home countries.
Casio stated on Saturday that deportation paperwork is still being processed, with more repatriations expected in the coming days. To alleviate overcrowding, the government is considering utilizing an additional building in Pasay, which is currently undergoing forfeiture proceedings.
“Once we secure additional personnel, we hope to use the Pasay building as a custodial facility,” Casio said.
In compliance with international laws ensuring humane treatment for detainees—particularly those accused of immigration violations—the Philippine government provides weekly medical and dental checkups.
The PAOCC also offers free medicines and laboratory services, while detainees requiring advanced care are transferred to government hospitals when necessary.
The government allocates PHP2 million ($34,900) monthly for food and medical supplies for the detained workers. Those who can afford private hospitalization are taken to private facilities for emergency treatment, escorted by PAOCC personnel, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officers, and private security guards.
Several detainees have been diagnosed with tuberculosis, hepatitis B, HIV, and respiratory infections. To prevent outbreaks, individuals with communicable diseases are isolated from the general population.
