BI gets P50 M from PAGCOR for speedy deportation of ex-POGO workers
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has agreed to provide P50 million in financial assistance to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the speedy deportation of foreign workers of the now banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said he and PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco signed last Monday, June 30, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the financial assistance.
In a statement, Viado said the support will boost the BI’s efforts in clearing the country of undocumented and overstaying aliens, especially those connected to illegal online operations.
“This grant affirms the whole-of-government approach in addressing threats to national security, while protecting our borders from transnational criminal elements,” he added.
The funds will be released in two equal tranches for the deportation of illegal foreign POGO workers physically held at the BI’s Warden Facility and Protection Unit (BIWFPU).