The Presidential Commission against Organized Crime (PAOCC) decided to deport 33 Chinese nationals back to China for their involvement in illegal POGO activities.
According to Philippine News reports, the 33 Chinese nationals, including an infant, were arrested in Pasay City for illegal POGO activities.
They were escorted by PAOCC personnel, Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and Chinese Embassy personnel before they were put on Philippine Airlines flight PR-336 bound for Xiamen, China.
PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said other Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities are still being processed for deportation to China.
He also added that the PAOCC and the government would continue to crack down on illegal POGO centers.
Shortly after Philippine President Marcos Jr. announced a nationwide ban on POGOs, the Philippine Immigration Service announced that foreign workers employed by POGOs and IGLs have 60 days, that is, until September 2024, to leave the Philippines. This order will be effective from July 26 Take effect.
The Philippine representative also asked people to help weed out illegal POGO workers hiding among them through social media or reporting to relevant authorities.
An estimated 20,000 foreign workers are employed by POGOs and IGLs, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Regarding unemployed local Filipino employees, Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Ragsma said that DOLE has begun to classify the affected local workers and will hold job fairs and provide training for them or skill improvement.
