The government has launched a massive operation to find 11,000 illegal workers in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry who failed to leave the country before the end of 2024, according to the set deadline.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issued a stern warning to these individuals, urging them to surrender to avoid severe punishment, including permanent blacklisting, deportation, and other legal punishments.
"The President's directive is clear that POGOs have no place here in the Philippines," said Remulla. "This Administration will not hesitate to protect the welfare and security of Filipinos."
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) prosecutes foreigners who do not comply with deportation and continue to work for prohibited POGOs. According to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, offending foreigners will be "arrested, deported, and blacklisted. There are no exemptions."
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval admitted that it is difficult to trace the workers, especially those hiding in residential areas.
Sandoval also warned the public against harboring former POGO workers, stressing that such an action would be considered aiding illegal aliens.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has begun the inspection of commercial and residential establishments as part of its business permit renewal activities to identify illegal POGO sites.
