Manila: Authorities here have deported nearly 1,700 foreigners working for unlicensed Philippine offshore gaming operators, more popularly known as "POGOs", as part of an on-going crackdown.
Reports have emerged that some of these POGOs had been used as fronts for forced labour, online scams, kidnapping, and other illegal activities, according to AFP report.
Those who were deported had been blacklisted, as per the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC).
“As far as the PAOCC is concerned, 1,698 foreign nationals have been deported since May 4, 2023,” PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said in a Friday interview aired over state-run PTV-4. He mentioned that the latest batch of deportees included 27 illegal POGO workers.
Charges
Initially, 33 foreign workers were set for deportation, but a hold-departure order was issued against six facing criminal charges.
30,000
number of foreigners working in legitimate POGO firms facing deportation might still be allowed to return.“Foreign nationals working in legal POGOs will eventually be repatriated or allowed to return to their home countries unless a national government policy blacklists all from Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), the former POGOs,” he said.
With closer cooperation among government agencies and local units, Casio expected a significant number of POGO workers to be deported to China.
Manila is divising a more effective deportation strategy.
What are POGOs?
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are online gaming firms that operate in the Philippines but cater primarily to customers outside the country.
These operators, licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), offer various online gaming services, mostly conducted over the internet.
Why POGOs are controversial
Pagcor started licensing offshore gaming operators in 2016, providing a legal framework for them to operate. Favourable tax conditions and relatively low operating costs compared to other countries attracted many operators to set up their businesses in the Philippines.
POGOs have contributed significantly to the Philippine economy through licensing fees, taxes, and the creation of jobs. They have also driven demand for office space and other local services. Moreover, they have provided employment opportunities for Filipinos and foreign workers, particularly in IT, customer service, and administrative roles.
But they have also triggered social and legal issues. A number of them have been found operating without proper licenses or engaging in illegal activities, such as money laundering and fraud.
There have been numerous reports of crimes associated with POGOs, including kidnapping, extortion, and human trafficking. These crimes often involve both foreign nationals and local residents.
Moreover, there have been complaints about poor working conditions and exploitation of workers, particularly foreign employees who may be working illegally.
Shutdown of POGOs by end-2024 ordered
On July 23, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the agc0oto cease POGO operations by the end of 2024.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that all POGO workers have 59 days to leave the country following the dissolution of their companies and visa downgrading.
Meanwhile, Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated there is no definite date yet for the deportation of the six Chinese nationals, as they are still awaiting appropriate clearances.
These individuals remain in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco noted that the Chinese nationals must resolve their pending cases in the Philippines and obtain the necessary clearances before deportation can proceed.
