PAOCC asks PAGCOR to help repatriate over 5,000 POGO workers

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has requested the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to assist in repatriating over 5,000 foreign POGO workers who failed to downgrade their visas by the October 15 deadline.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that these remaining visas are being automatically downgraded by authorities, allowing only for winding down of operations.

Remulla also indicated that fugitive recovery operations are being considered against POGO workers who refuse to leave the country, as the numbers of those who have not voluntarily downgraded their visas are "not satisfactory."

Foreign nationals who have not downgraded their visas will be considered illegal aliens after December 31, 2024.

Over 12,000 foreign POGO workers have successfully applied for a visa downgrade, which grants them a temporary 59-day visitor's visa for settling affairs and preparing for departure, not for employment.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio warned that failure to depart promptly risks these workers going underground and engaging in illegal activities.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs in July due to their involvement in illicit activities, and actively participating in POGO operations is no longer allowed.

The winding down of operations is important to ensure that betting capital is returned to owners, and to avoid blame if people lose their money.