DOJ to rogue POGO workers: No place for you in PH

FILE: RESCUED. At least 40 foreign nationals reportedly forced to work for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in Angeles City, Pampanga are rescued on Sept. 17, 2022). Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. was ordered closed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. (Photo courtesy of DILG via PNA)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) warned of severe legal consequences against foreign workers employed in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry still in the country despite the nationwide ban that took effect Dec. 31, 2024.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, in a statement Sunday, emphasized the government’s firm stance against POGOs after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) revealed that some 11,000 foreign POGO workers remain in the country despite a presidential directive for them to leave by the end of 2024.

The 11,000 individuals include those who failed to voluntarily downgrade their visas or leave the Philippines last year, as well as those who downgraded their visas but did not comply with the deadline.

In response to the continued presence of the POGO workers, the BI has ramped up operations to track them down and eventually deport them.

“The President is unequivocally clear that POGOs have no place here in the Philippines and we vow to give our all-out support for the sake and welfare of the Filipino people,” Remulla said.

“This administration stands firm in its resolve to intensifying its guerilla operations against non-compliant POGOs,” he added.

In his third State of the Nation Address in July last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a ban on all POGOs, legitimate and otherwise, with a complete phaseout.

The decision was arrived at as the industry was marred with serious issues such as human trafficking, prostitution, abduction and murder.