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DOJ warns POGO workers: Submit to authorities or be permanently blacklisted
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla warned foreign POGO workers who have not submitted to authorities to face legal consequences, including permanent blacklisting by immigration.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and ordered their winding down by the end of 2024 due to links to illegal activities and heinous crimes.
The Bureau of Immigration is intensifying manhunt operations against approximately 11,000 foreign POGO workers considered illegal aliens.
These workers failed to meet the December 31, 2024 deadline to downgrade their visas and depart the country, or they downgraded their visas but stayed in the country after their visitor visas lapsed.
Out of 33,863 POGO employees registered with PAGCOR, 22,609 have left the Philippines.
The DOJ is collaborating with other agencies like PAOCC, PNP, NBI, and LGUs to locate the remaining foreign nationals.
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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is warning companies and individuals that harboring "rogue" Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers will lead to criminal charges.
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Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is urging the government to continue efforts to eliminate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and their associated criminal activities, even after the December 31st deadline.
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The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) will initiate proceedings to cancel fraudulent birth certificates and seize assets, including real properties, belonging to foreign nationals linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
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The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) will focus on apprehending small-scale Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in 2025 following the lapse of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s ban on their operations.
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Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered local government units (LGUs) to intensify inspections and completely eradicate remaining Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) or face sanctions.
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