The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines stated that most employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) have evacuated, but the whereabouts of nearly 1,000 foreign workers remain unknown, raising public concern.
Joel Anthony Viado, the Director of the Immigration Bureau, revealed at a press conference that these missing individuals are part of the approximately 33,000 POGO foreign workers registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
He further stated that as of now, about 23,000 to 24,000 people have voluntarily left the Philippines, but about 8,000 continue to stay in the country, with the whereabouts of nearly 1,000 still unaccounted for.
Viado reiterated that all POGO employees must leave the country by December 31, 2024, as per regulations, or they will face deportation, blacklisting, and a permanent ban from entry. He urged the relevant individuals to comply with the law promptly to avoid subsequent legal issues due to illegal stay.
The Philippine government has recently intensified its crackdown on the POGO industry to address the social issues and potential security risks arising from the industry. PAGCOR had previously required all registered POGO companies to submit detailed lists and cooperate with the immigration bureau to track the whereabouts of foreign workers.
The Immigration Bureau emphasized that it will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to accelerate the tracking of missing workers and conduct investigations on foreign workers who remain in the country. The public has expressed concern about the issue of missing workers and called on the government to take stronger measures to prevent illegal stays and potential illegal activities.
The Philippine government has made it clear that it will continue to strengthen the regulation of the POGO industry to maintain national security and social order, while ensuring that the rights of legal workers are not affected.
