The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) made the decision to deport 33 Chinese nationals back to China for involvement in illegal POGO activities.
According to the Philippines’ news reports, the 33 Chinese nationals, including a baby, were caught for illegal POGO activities in Pasay City.
They were guarded by PAOCC personnel, PNP Aviation Security group and Chinese Embassy personnel before being sent on board PAL flight PR-336 heading back to Xiamen, China.
Other Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities are still being processed for their deportation back to China, PAOCC Usec Gilbert Cruz updated.
He also added that there will be a continuous crackdown on illegal POGO hubs by PAOCC and the government.
Shortly after the nationwide POGO ban by Philippines President Marcos Jr, the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that foreign workers employed by POGOs and IGLs have been given 60 days, or until September 2024, to leave the country, with the order being effective from 26 July.
Philippines representatives have also requested that people also help flush out any illegal POGO workers hiding in their midst, using social media or reporting to relevant authorities.
According to PAGCOR data, an estimated 20,000 foreign workers have been hired by POGOs and IGLs.
For displaced local Philippines employees, Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) stated that the DOLE started profiling affected local workers and will be holding a job fair and training or upskilling for them.
