The Philippine President's Anti-Organized Crime Commission stated on September 6 that there are still about 200 illegal online gambling companies (POGO) in the Philippines.
President Marcos Jr. announced the prohibition of gambling more than a month ago. He declared the ban on online gambling companies in his third State of the Nation Address. The President ordered the shutdown of online gambling operations within six months.
However, the President's Anti-Organized Crime Commission stated that hundreds are still operating.
Vice Minister Gilbert Cruz of the President's Anti-Organized Crime Commission said, "I don't know the exact number, but for now, we can say there might be 200."
Cruz mentioned that many online gambling companies have been shut down, but there are still underground operations.
Cruz said, "Others have downsized. There's a hub, they just turned it into one floor of a building."
The government has deported about 2,000 workers from the online gambling industry. Cruz said, a large amount of money is used to take care of them, feed them, and provide medical assistance.
The Philippine government is also taking care of some children who remain in the country because some of them are related to locals.
Cruz also stated that they are currently deporting 87 Chinese citizens to Shanghai and Xi'an.
Cruz said, "Because in China, when we deport them, they are not seen as victims. They are seen as part of the online gambling companies... yes, as criminals."
Cruz clarified that the Philippine government will not cover the expenses for this group of Chinese citizens, but the Chinese embassy has offered to bear the costs for these Chinese citizens.
