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DOJ bares STD among Chinese POGO workers

October 3, 2022 Hector Lawas 281 views

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday bared the existence of the dreaded sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among Chinese workers of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

In an interview, DOJ spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano bared that some 15 to 20 Chinese workers, who were allowed unhampered mobility during their stay here, have already contracted STDs while under employment in one of the POGO companies.

“It is quite sad to say that the DOJ ay nakakuha ng iba’t ibang reports tungkol sa pag spread ng STD. And as for our reports, we don’t know the full extent of it yet. But in several reports we’ve gotten here in the DOJ, may mga cases na 15 to 20 sa isang POGO company na nagkaron ng STD, ” Clavano said.

Nonetheless, Clavano appeared hopeful that the looming cancelation of visas of Chinese workers employed by POGOs whose licenses have already been recently cancelled, can finally stop the spread of the dreaded STD.

He, however, categorically admitted that authorities right now are clueless about the full extent of the STD infection among Chinese POGO workers.

“And we just hope that itong operation natin, sa pag deport or cancel ng visas nila, we hope na matitigil na itong spread ng STDs. This is really part of the reports that we are asking from the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to determine the full extent of this.”

“We will not wait, hindi natin hihintayin na umabot pa ito sa ating mga kababayan na Pilipino. We hope all the crimes and ill effects nitong pag stay ng mga Chinese nato ay matigil na sa ating operation,” Clavano said.

The NBI is set to submit a preliminary report on its investigation into POGO workers allegedly involved in the commission of crimes.

The POGO industry had its heyday in the early years of the Duterte administration, but it’s growth was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

POGOs are online gambling firms that operate in the Philippines but cater to customers outside the country. To operate legally, they must be licensed by PAGCOR.

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