DOJ reports deportation and visa cancellation in POGO sector
A total of 27 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) were deported back to China, while over 48,000 POGO visas have been canceled as the government tightens its regulations on illegal workers in the sector.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), six Chinese nationals were sent back to their country last October 19, while 21 were deported last week, November 10.
“The continuous deportation operation is poised to implement the government’s policy to crack down on the illegally operating POGO companies who no longer give any benefit to the government and who instead have been the source of criminal activities,” the DOJ said.
The Justice Department also noted that they “have seen a decrease in reported crimes related to the POGO industry” following the deportation of illegal workers.
At the same time, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) canceled the visas of over 48,000 POGO workers who are looking to work in the country.
These actions came as Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said that the Philippines is becoming a “hotbed” for Chinese gangsters who are running online casinos that are similar to POGOs.
Legislators have also pushed for the government to ban POGOs because the operation abets kidnappings and other crimes.
