THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday gave the assurance that the deportation of foreigners involved in illegal operations remains the bureau’s top priority amid criticisms from lawmakers on its apparent snail-paced action against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado made the statement as he clarified concerns raised on the use of airline tickets with connecting flights in sending POGO workers back home.
“The longer they stay in the country waiting for schedules, the longer the government shoulders the cost of their detention. We take whatever is available because our priority is to send them out of the country at the soonest possible time,” Viado said in a statement.
He said the government is taking time to send these former POGO workers back to their country of origin since deportation procedures require three essential documents – a valid passport or travel document, a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance which will confirm that they do not have pending accountability in the country, and an outbound ticket.
He said the BI has made the proper coordination with the NBI to expedite the issuance of clearances within a day.
“We all want the same thing — for them to leave our country as quickly as possible. If we can do it (deportation) fast, we will find ways to do it even faster,” he said.
Sen Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday said he has information that POGO bosses and workers have been staying in the country even as the deadline to shut down all POGOs ended last December 31.
He alleged that POGO bosses continue to run underground POGOs and scam hubs.
