1,698 foreign POGO workers deported since May

As of Friday, 1,698 foreign nationals employed in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have been deported since May 4, 2023.

The government has banned all POGOs and is set to deport around 30,000 legal workers from these hubs, with at least 27 Chinese citizens already repatriated this week.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio noted that six individuals among the initial 33 deported are still under custody pending clearance due to criminal charges in other countries.

The Philippine government has spent at least P85 million caring for those arrested during POGO raids and is urging voluntary departures with proper documentation to avoid deportation penalties.

Foreign nationals working illegally will be blacklisted, while legal workers may return if they leave voluntarily with the required permits.