PAOCC: 66 detained POGO workers sick

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) yesterday warned the public of a looming health crisis if over 9,000 foreigners who worked in Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs are not arrested and deported.

PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz said 66 POGO workers arrested by authorities were found afflicted with illnesses such as human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis and hepatitis B.

“It is possible that some of the POGO workers, who remain unaccounted for and scattered across the country, are sick and maybe spreading contagious diseases,” Cruz said.

He said the foreigners must be found.

“We don’t know what activities they are doing each day. Baka imbes na magpagamot sila ay nagkakalat pa sila ng sakit (They could be spreading disease instead of getting treatment),” Cruz said in an interview over PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

Once caught, Cruz proposed the immediate deportation of the foreign workers unless they have pending criminal cases in the country.

Around 700 foreigners awaiting deportation are being held at the PAOCC detention facility in Pasay. One of them has died of complications due to HIV, Cruz said.

The government currently spends about P2 million a month for food, health care and medical services of the foreign detainees, the PAOCC said.