Justice Minister Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla stated in a declaration: "The harm and dangers brought by illegal POGO activities have undoubtedly threatened public safety and national security, and we will not sit idly by. Under the guidance of the President, we can now fully and legally strike against these unwelcome social elements."
Philippine President Marcos announced in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22 that all POGO operations should cease by the end of this year. The DOJ revealed: "As of now, 41 POGOs authorized by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) have indicated their willingness to comply with President Marcos' directive to completely halt operations."
Remulla disclosed this information after the first meeting of the POGO Closure Task Force held by the DOJ on September 18. The task force is composed of the DOJ, the Department of Labor (DOLE), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
The DOJ stated in a declaration that all foreign POGO workers must voluntarily repatriate by October 15, 2024. Starting from October 16, 2024, the 9G visas of all affected foreign POGO workers will be downgraded to tourist visas, and they must leave the Philippines within 60 days or face compulsory deportation.
Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, warned at the meeting that the task of the working group will become more challenging starting in 2025, as it is expected that hidden POGO operators will adopt improper means to conceal their illegal operations.
