The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are conducting investigations to dismantle a syndicate allegedly recruiting Filipinos for offshore gaming operations in Laos.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported that the syndicate was exposed by Philippine Ambassador to Laos Deena Joy Amatong, who repatriated several Filipinos involved in offshore gaming operations.
Furthermore, during his time in Laos as part of the Philippine delegation led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the ASEAN Summit, Cacdac was informed by Amatong that she had repatriated 160 Filipinos engaged in offshore gaming operations.
“At patuloy ang pagma-manman ng sitwasyon sa mga POGO workers. Mayroon pa kaming naiwan doon na mga POGO workers na tinutulungan pa rin nila Ambassador Amatong,” Cacdac said in a press briefing on Saturday.
According to Cacdac, they are obtaining statements from each Filipino worker rescued from Laos to assist in identifying the recruiter.
He stated that addressing this issue is crucial, which is why they are coordinating with the DOJ regarding the matter.
"Kada uwi ng mga pinapauwi ni Ambassador ay kinukunan natin ng statement sa ating Anti-Illegal Recruitment unit at ‘pagkakuha natin ng statement, may tinukoy silang Philippine element or Philippine recruiter and na-sumbit natin kaagad," said Cacdac.
They promptly refer relevant cases to the DOJ for the appropriate filing of complaints.
