On Thursday, 187 Philippine Offshore Gaming (POGO) employees were deported to China.
The workers, who were detained during raids across several POGO hubs, include 122 from 3D Analyzer in Pasay, 57 from the Tourist Garden Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, and 11 from Zun Yuan Technology in Bamban, Tarlac, as well as SmartWeb Technology in Pasay and Clark, Pampanga.
With less than a month remaining before a complete ban on POGO operations takes effect at the end of the year, the deported individuals—who are all Chinese nationals—were removed for violating Philippine immigration laws.
Gilbert Cruz, Executive Director of the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Council (PAOCC), explained that some of the apprehended individuals did not have any documents, which violated their conditions of stay.
Upon arrival in China, the deported workers will face investigation for possible involvement in online scams.
Following the deportation, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines issued a statement in Chinese praising the move as another significant step in law enforcement cooperation between the two countries. The embassy noted that it underscores both nations’ strong commitment to combating offshore gambling and ensuring a safe environment for their citizens.
As reported by AGB, nearly 11,000 foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have left the country, according to the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI).
These workers are part of a larger group of over 21,757 foreigners employed by POGOs who had downgraded their visas as of November 7th. As required by the Philippine authorities, all foreign POGO workers must leave the country before the end of the year.
