The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines stated that approximately 1,000 foreign employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are currently unaccounted for, raising concerns from various parties.
Joel Anthony Viado, the Director of the Bureau, pointed out at a press conference that these foreign employees must leave the country by the end of the year, otherwise they will face deportation and blacklisting. He stated, "The number of those who have not yet left has significantly decreased, and currently less than 1,000 people are untraceable."
According to statistics from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the total number of registered foreign employees in POGO is about 33,000. Of these, 23,000 to 24,000 have voluntarily left the Philippines. The number of foreign employees still remaining in the Philippines is about 8,000.
Viado emphasized that the Bureau of Immigration will continue to track these foreign employees who have not left the country as scheduled and will take enforcement measures. He warned, "Those who overstay will be deported and permanently banned from entering the Philippines."
In recent years, the Philippines has been increasing its regulatory efforts on the POGO industry. Due to illegal activities and security risks, the government has taken strict management measures against industry workers, requiring foreign employees who do not comply with regulations to leave the country within a specified period.
The Bureau of Immigration stated that it will continue to cooperate with relevant agencies to fully trace the whereabouts of these missing foreign employees, while strengthening immigration management to ensure strict enforcement of regulations.
This move indicates the Philippine government's determination to address issues in the POGO industry, and it is also an important measure to maintain national security and the rule of law environment.
