Rep. Barbers asks public to help deport illegal POGO workers

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers urged the public to help authorities identify and deport foreign POGO workers in hiding, as many may have pending criminal cases in their home countries.

He encouraged citizens to report suspicious POGO operations and foreign workers through social media or directly to local government units and law enforcement agencies.

Barbers noted that POGOs have served as a cover for foreign nationals involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping, and murder.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has deported approximately 1,698 foreign nationals working in illegal POGO firms since May 4, 2023.

The latest batch of deportees included 27 Chinese citizens, with six of them subjected to a hold departure order due to criminal charges.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio stated that around 30,000 foreign workers in legitimate POGO firms are expected to be repatriated following the ban on online gaming hubs.

These deported illegal POGO workers have been blacklisted and can no longer return to the Philippines.