The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a stern warning to remaining illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers on Sunday, saying that those who fail to surrender to authorities face severe consequences, including permanent immigration blacklisting.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has implemented a nationwide ban on POGOs, mandating their closure by the end of 2024.
This decision stems from investigations linking POGO operations to criminal activities and other serious offenses.
“The President is adamant that POGOs have no place in the Philippines,” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in an official statement said. “We are fully committed to supporting this ban for the safety and well-being of the Filipino people.”
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently announced plans to deport approximately 11,000 foreign POGO workers who failed to leave the country last year.
This figure includes those who neglected to adjust their visa status or voluntarily depart, as well as those who, despite downgrading their visas, overstayed beyond the validity of their visitor permits.
The DOJ confirmed that the BI is actively conducting widespread operations to apprehend the remaining foreign POGO workers within the country, who are now considered illegal aliens.
Remulla emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to intensifying efforts against illegal POGO operations.
