Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issued a stern warning against illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) workers who continue to stay in the Philippines despite the ultimatum given by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for them to leave the country.
“The President is unequivocally clear that POGOs have no place here in the Philippines and we vow to give our all-out support for the sake and welfare of the Filipino people,” Remulla said.
He emphasized the “administration stands firm in its resolve to intensify its guerilla operations against non-compliant POGOs.”
There are roughly 11,000 foreign POGO workers who are set to be deported for failing to leave the country last year, according to the report given by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
This number comprises POGO aliens who failed to downgrade their visas or voluntarily leave the Philippines, as well as those who downgraded their visas but failed to leave the country within the prescribed period given by authorities.
The BI is currently conducting an extensive manhunt operation against the remaining POGO foreign workers in the country considered illegal aliens.
Furthermore, the DOJ is urging these workers to submit themselves to Philippine authorities or face severe legal consequences such as permanent blacklisting and other sanctions.
