The Philippine government is ramping up its efforts to deport more than 11,000 foreign nationals tied to the now-banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry. Declared illegal aliens, these individuals are the focus of a nationwide manhunt by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The crackdown underscores the administration’s firm stance on eradicating illegal activities linked to the controversial gaming sector.
A Nationwide Effort to Enforce Compliance
Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado shared striking figures on the matter. Before the ban, 33,863 POGO workers were officially registered under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). While 22,609 of these workers left the country before the December 31 deadline, 11,254 remain in the Philippines, defying the government’s directive.
Viado did not mince words when addressing the situation: “These foreign nationals who continue to disobey this will be arrested, deported, and blacklisted. No exceptions.” He issued a stern warning to companies employing these individuals, urging them to cooperate with authorities. Those found sheltering or concealing illegal workers risk being charged with harboring illegal aliens.
- Registered POGO workers (before ban): 33,863
- Workers who downgraded visas: 24,779
- Workers who left the country: 22,609
- Workers remaining unlawfully: 11,254
Coordinated Action Across Agencies
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has echoed the call for strict enforcement, particularly against property owners enabling illegal POGO operations. Gilbert Cruz, PAOCC’s Executive Director, highlighted a troubling shift in these operations. Operators are downsizing into discreet setups in walled compounds or business districts frequented by foreign nationals, complicating detection efforts.
Cruz also warned property owners that premises used for illegal activities are subject to seizure under criminal forfeiture laws. “Those who knowingly support illegal POGO operations will not be spared,” he stated.
To further tighten the noose, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has instructed local government units (LGUs) to issue “No POGO” certificates by the end of January. This certification process involves stringent inspections of residential and commercial properties, including checks on permits for occupancy, electricity, and fire safety compliance.
Spotlight on Fraudulent Citizenship Documents
Another concerning dimension of the crackdown is the use of fraudulent birth certificates by some foreign nationals to obtain Filipino citizenship. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has emphasized the importance of nullifying these fake documents, calling it a critical step in restoring the integrity of the country’s civil records.
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has committed to revoking fraudulent documents and seizing assets acquired illegally by these individuals. “This is a matter of national security and economic fairness,” an OSG representative noted, reinforcing the government’s resolve.
Challenges in Tracking Illegal Workers
The pursuit of illegal POGO workers has not been without obstacles. Authorities report that operators have become increasingly elusive, adopting sophisticated methods to evade detection. This includes the use of high-security compounds and blending into dense urban districts with large expatriate populations.
Despite these challenges, the government’s multi-agency approach appears well-coordinated:
- BI: Spearheading arrests and deportations.
- PAOCC: Cracking down on property owners aiding illegal operators.
- DILG: Enforcing “No POGO” certificates through LGUs.
- OSG: Targeting fraudulent documents and illegal assets.
A Broader Push Against Illegal Gambling
The POGO ban is part of a broader effort by the Philippine government to combat illegal gambling and its associated criminal activities. Authorities argue that the industry, while initially promising economic benefits, has been marred by scandals, including money laundering, fraud, and human trafficking.
The crackdown sends a clear message: the Philippines will not tolerate illegal activities that undermine public trust, strain local resources, or jeopardize the nation’s international reputation. As enforcement continues, stakeholders are urged to cooperate or face severe consequences.
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