Use seized POGO hubs for evacuation – group

Metro Manila, Philippines — Use seized Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) hubs for evacuation as Super Typhoon Pepito batters Luzon, a progressive group suggested on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Former Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares pointed out that the country has a number of POGO hubs that can be used as evacuation centers, including those in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga.

“When Bayan Muna authored the Disaster Alerts Law we believe it will help warn the people [through] text that a typhoon or calamity is coming. Now we have to take care of typhoon victims during the typhoon by providing them with decent shelters," Colmenares said in a statement.

"While we cannot use these [POGO hubs] as schools due to potential psychological trauma from past activities, they are ideal as temporary evacuation sites," he added.

Colmenares noted that several POGO hubs are “spacious” and “well-equipped,” as those have medical centers.

He said POGO hubs are “suitable” emergency shelters as the Permanent Evacuation Centers bill is still pending in Congress.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given all POGOs in the country until the end of the year to close due to their negative impact on the country such as the proliferation of crimes.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.