24,000 foreign POGO workers leave PH

Around 24,000 foreign workers employed by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) have departed the Philippines, as reported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

This figure represents a significant portion of the 33,000 workers registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

Additionally, 8,000 POGO workers have requested a change from their work visas to visitor's visas.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that fewer than a thousand POGO workers remain unaccounted for and that the BI will continue their search.

Foreign POGO workers have until December 31 to leave the country, after which they will face blacklisting by the BI.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. previously issued Executive Order (EO) 74 on November 5, mandating an immediate ban on POGOs and other offshore gaming operations.

The ban, which includes license applications, renewals, and cessation of operations, was a response to allegations of POGOs' involvement in illegal activities.