According to the spokesperson for the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Winston Casio, the recently expelled individuals include 27 illegal POGO workers, six of whom are temporarily detained due to criminal charges. These deportees are now blacklisted from entering the Philippines.
However, Casio noted that about 30,000 foreign nationals working for legitimate POGO companies could still return if they are not charged. He expressed confidence in deporting a large number of such workers with the support of relevant agencies. Last Friday (August 2), the meeting at Malacañang Palace focused on accelerating the deportation of POGO workers.
Casio reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the swift deportation of all foreign POGO employees. Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s order to cease POGO operations by the end of the year, the Bureau of Immigration provided a 59-day departure period for POGO employees, company dissolution, and visa downgrading. This regulation has since been amended to allow for a more gradual cessation of operations.
The spokesperson for the Bureau of Immigration, Dana Sandoval, clarified that six Chinese nationals are waiting for the appropriate permits before they can be deported. The Director of the Bureau of Immigration, Norman Tansinco, stated that they are still detained by the Bureau until their cases are resolved and permits are obtained.
