MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has urged the remaining Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers in the country to surrender to the authorities.
According to Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, rogue POGO workers will face severe legal consequences if they opt to remain in the country despite the nationwide ban that took effect Dec. 31, 2024.
Remulla made the statement 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 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.
“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 “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced a ban on all POGOs, legitimate and otherwise, with a complete phase-out.
The decision was arrived at as the industry was marred with serious issues such as human trafficking, prostitution, abduction and murder./PN
