The Philippines is hunting 21,000 foreign POGO workers refusing deportation. Inspections of hotels, resorts, & apartments are also underway.
The Philippine government is intensifying its efforts to locate an estimated 21,000 foreign workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who have refused to leave the country following the crackdown on the industry. This comes after approximately 20,000 foreign POGO workers have already self-deported, according to Bureau of Immigration data.
In a recent interview on ANC’s Headstart, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) head Gilbert Cruz revealed that local government units (LGUs) have reported sightings of Chinese nationals seeking accommodations in resorts, hotels, apartments, and even gated subdivisions, raising concerns about potential continued POGO operations.
“They refuse to have themselves deported, and some are scattered throughout our country,” Cruz stated. He emphasized that LGUs have been contacting him with reports of Chinese nationals seeking various accommodations, potentially for business purposes.
Cruz cited an instance in Northern Luzon where foreign nationals claimed they were establishing a call center. However, local authorities became suspicious when trucks carrying office and other equipment arrived even before a rental agreement was finalized, suggesting possible small-scale POGO operations.
In response to these concerns, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Memorandum Circular 2025 on January 2, 2025, which prohibits the proliferation of POGOs, including the non-renewal of their business licenses and permits.
Cruz highlighted the challenge of monitoring these activities, noting that some POGO operations, ranging from 20 to hundreds of individuals occupying entire condo floors, operate without the knowledge of local officials. He stressed the importance of LGUs reporting any suspected small-scale POGO activities to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and DILG.
To aid in identifying these operations, the PAOCC has provided tutorials to LGUs on recognizing signs of POGO activity, such as fully lit residences or floors and frequent food deliveries.
Cruz also addressed the issue of Filipinos harboring these foreign workers. He clarified that since the downgrading of their working visas to tourist visas on October 15, any foreign national remaining in the country beyond their allowed stay is in violation of immigration laws, making them effectively criminals. Consequently, any Filipino found to be harboring these individuals will also face legal repercussions.
The government’s intensified search and the active involvement of LGUs signal a determined effort to completely eradicate illegal POGO operations and ensure that foreign workers comply with immigration laws. The inspection of hotels, resorts, and apartments emphasizes the government's commitment to leaving no stone unturned in this operation.
Meanwhile, government newswire Philippine News Agency reported that around 400 illegal aliens were arrested during a large-scale raid in an alleged POGO hub in Paranaque City.
“The order of the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) is clear. POGO workers who insist on staying in the country and violating our laws will be arrested and deported,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.
Immigration authorities said this was part of their intensified campaign in hunting down POGO workers who remain in the Philippines.
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