The Philippine government is ramping up its efforts to enforce a nationwide ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), focusing on the deportation of over 11,000 foreign nationals involved in these operations. This crackdown follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate the disruptive influence of POGOs on the nation.

Thousands of workers face deportation:

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), of the 33,863 POGO workers previously registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), many have already left the country. By the December 31, 2024, deadline, 22,609 foreign workers had exited the Philippines, while 24,779 opted to downgrade their visas. However, 11,254 individuals either failed to leave or remain in the country despite downgrading their visas, leading the BI to classify them as illegal aliens.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated, “The President’s directive is clear: No more POGO operations in the Philippines. Those who defy this will face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting. No exceptions.”

To locate those still at large, the BI has launched an “intensified manhunt,” instructing its intelligence division to identify and apprehend foreign nationals who failed to comply with the government’s mandate. Companies found harboring these individuals could face legal consequences, as emphasized by Viado.

The crackdown extends beyond deportation. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has warned property owners against leasing spaces to illegal POGO operators. Failure to comply could result in criminal forfeiture of their properties. PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz revealed that operators have shifted to smaller-scale setups, often hiding in walled compounds or resorts and disguising their operations by increasing daytime activity in areas with high foreign foot traffic.

Local governments have also been enlisted in the effort. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed local government units (LGUs) to submit “No POGO” certificates by the end of January. These inspections will cover occupancy permits, fire safety compliance, and other legal requirements to ensure that no illegal operations persist within their jurisdictions.

Fraudulent documentation and asset seizures:

Authorities are further scrutinizing fraudulent birth certificates issued to foreign nationals, which have allowed some to claim Filipino citizenship. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian explained that canceling these fraudulent documents is essential to preventing illegal operators from acquiring properties or continuing their activities in the country. The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has pledged to nullify all falsified certificates and seize properties illegally obtained by foreign POGO workers.

The measures follow President Marcos’ strong condemnation of POGO-related activities during his State of the Nation Address in July 2024. As Sunstar Philippines reports, highlighting the societal disruptions caused by these operations, he stated, “Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa,” which translates to, “It is time to stop this disruption in our society and the desecration of our country.”