Five blacklisted POGO workers arrested; Ban on layover for deportees to take effect
Philippine authorities arrested five blacklisted Chinese nationals linked to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) raided in June 2024. The individuals attempted to leave the country illegally via Tawi-Tawi but were intercepted following a boat engine failure near Languyan Island.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI), in coordination with local law enforcement, identified the arrested individuals as Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlong, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36; and Luo Honglin, 27. Two of them were fugitives wanted in China, while all five had previous connections to Lucky South 99.
Authorities revealed that the group intended to reach Malaysia using a “transporter,” a term used for individuals facilitating unauthorised travel between countries. However, their escape was thwarted when their vessel encountered technical issues, leading to their capture by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) authorities.
The arrested individuals were transferred to Zamboanga City, where they were formally taken into custody by immigration officers. They remain under the supervision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) while awaiting further proceedings.
Stricter deportation measures for POGO-linked foreigners
In response to growing concerns about POGO-related crimes, the BI has introduced a new policy barring layovers for foreign nationals deported due to links with the offshore gaming industry. The policy, outlined in BI Board of Commissioners Resolution No. 2025-002, mandates direct flights for deportees to their home countries, except where no such route exists.
The measure follows criticism from lawmakers, particularly Senator Risa Hontiveros, who highlighted how previous deportation procedures allowed high-profile fugitives to evade repatriation. The BI’s new directive is aimed at closing this loophole and preventing individuals from using transit countries to escape legal action.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasised that the policy aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader crackdown on POGO operations. “This is uncharted territory since we started mass deportations and arrests this year,” Viado stated. He added that eliminating layovers would reduce opportunities for POGO-linked individuals to continue illegal activities in other countries.
The BI said it is now working with the Department of Justice (DOJ), foreign embassies, and airlines to ensure smooth enforcement of the directive. Viado also called for legislative support to institutionalise stricter deportation measures and strengthen immigration protocols.
With the complete ban on legal POGO operations in place since 1 January 2025, Philippine authorities continue to tighten enforcement against individuals associated with the sector. The latest arrests and deportation policies underscore the government’s efforts to curb transnational crime and strengthen national security.
Stay in the loop and join the biggest iGaming Community in the world with SiGMA’s Top 10 news countdown. Subscribe HERE for weekly updates from the world’s iGaming authority and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
