Philippines deports nearly 1,700 illegal POGO workers

Jenny Ortiz August 5, 2024

The Philippines has deported 1,698 foreign nationals working in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) since May 2023, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). The crackdown aims to curb the illegal activities and crimes associated with unlicensed POGOs.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio announced the deportation numbers during an interview on state-run PTV-4, highlighting the latest batch of 27 illegal POGO workers deported recently.

The PAOCC confirmed that all deported foreign nationals had been blacklisted, preventing them from re-entering the Philippines. However, an initial group of 33 workers set for deportation was reduced to 27 due to a hold-departure order against six individuals facing criminal charges. These six Chinese nationals remain under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and are awaiting appropriate clearances before they can be deported.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval emphasised that the deportation of these individuals would proceed once they resolve their pending cases in the Philippines and obtain necessary clearances. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco reiterated the need for legal resolutions before deportation can be finalized.

Legitimate POGO workers and future policies

While illegal POGO workers are being deported, around 30,000 expatriates working in legitimate POGO firms face a different scenario. These workers might still be allowed to return to the Philippines unless a national government policy blacklists all individuals from Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), the former POGOs. Casio indicated that legal POGO workers could eventually be repatriated or allowed to return to their home countries.

The PAOCC, in collaboration with other government agencies and local government units, remains confident in its ability to deport a significant number of POGO workers. Casio expressed optimism about achieving a high percentage of deportations, although he acknowledged the challenges inherent in law enforcement operations.

Immediate deportation of POGO workers aimed

A meeting at the Malacañang Palace was scheduled to discuss more effective ways to ensure the immediate deportation of POGO workers. The government is determined to exhaust all efforts to ensure compliance with the President’s directive.

On July 22, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to cease POGO operations by the end of the year. Following this directive, the BI announced that all POGO workers have 59 days to leave the country once their companies are dissolved and their visas are downgraded.

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