The Philippines is intensifying efforts to deport over 11,000 foreign nationals linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities following the government’s ban on the industry. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has declared these individuals as illegal aliens and is conducting a nationwide manhunt to locate them.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado revealed that 33,863 POGO workers were registered under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) before the ban. Of this number, 24,779 employees opted to downgrade their visas, and 22,609 of them left the country by the December 31 deadline.
However, 11,254 individuals remain in the country unlawfully.
“These foreign nationals who continue to disobey this will be arrested, deported, and blacklisted. No exceptions,” Viado stated. He further warned companies employing these workers to cooperate with authorities. Companies must surrender their POGO workers who remain in the country. If they attempt to hide them, they may face charges for harboring illegal aliens, he added.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has echoed these warnings, advising property owners against hosting illegal POGO operations. Gilbert Cruz, PAOCC Executive Director, stated that properties used for illegal activities could be seized under criminal forfeiture laws.
He also noted that illegal operators have resorted to smaller-scale setups, concealing their operations in walled compounds or business districts with high foreign foot traffic.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has mandated local government units (LGUs) to issue “No POGO” certificates by the end of January. Inspections of residential and commercial properties, including permits for occupancy, electricity, and fire safety, are part of this enforcement strategy.
Authorities are also targeting fraudulent birth certificates that enable some foreign nationals to obtain Filipino citizenship. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian stated that canceling these documents is critical. The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has committed to revoking fake birth certificates and seizing assets acquired illegally.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/01/06/90928-philippines-intensifies-deportation-efforts-for-over-11-000-foreign-workers-in-pogo-crackdown
