Philippines Authorities reported on Friday that approximately 1,698 foreign nationals employed by illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have been deported since May 4th, 2023.
According to Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio, the most recent deportations included 27 illegal POGO workers, with six individuals temporarily withheld due to criminal charges. These deportees are now blacklisted from re-entering the Philippines.
However, Casio noted that about 30,000 expatriates from legal POGO firms might still return if they face no charges. He expressed confidence in deporting a significant number of these workers with support from relevant agencies. On Friday, a Malacañang Palace meeting focused on expediting POGO worker deportations.
Casio reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring the prompt deportation of all foreign POGO employees. Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to halt POGO operations by year-end, the Bureau of Immigration provided POGO workers with 59 days to leave, post-company dissolution, and visa downgrades. This has since been altered to allow time for a more progressive phase-out of the operations.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval clarified that six Chinese nationals are awaiting appropriate clearances before their deportation can proceed. They remain in BI custody until their cases are resolved and clearances obtained, according to Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
