The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is finalizing the deportation of 11,254 foreign nationals involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities after the ban's implementation period ended.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reported that out of the 33,863 employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) registered under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), 24,779 have downgraded their visas.
Additionally, a total of 22,609 individuals departed from the Philippines prior to the December 31 deadline, ensuring compliance with the government’s directive to wind down activities related to illegal POGOs.
Those facing deportation include foreign nationals who failed to downgrade their visas and leave the country before the deadline, as well as those who downgraded their visas but did not exit the country as required.
The BI also stressed that companies must comply by surrendering their POGO workers who remain in the country. Attempts to hide these workers could lead to charges of harboring illegal aliens.
“I have ordered our intelligence division to initiate the search for those at large,” Viado stated.
Viado also stated that an intensified manhunt operation will be launched against illegal aliens, and foreign nationals who continue to defy the law will be arrested, deported, and blacklisted.
