Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has renewed his call to fully eliminate Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and their activities, stressing the importance of continued vigilance even after the December 31, 2024, shutdown deadline.
Speaking to the Philippine News Agency, Gatchalian warned that criminal syndicates linked to POGO operations remain a serious threat. “We must stay committed to eradicating these risks to ensure public safety,” he said.
The senator raised concerns over former POGO operators rebranding as legitimate businesses, such as BPO firms, resorts, and restaurants, to conceal illegal activities. He urged law enforcement and local governments to remain alert to these tactics.
Gatchalian also pointed to the ongoing deportation efforts by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which is tracking around 11,000 former POGO workers facing removal from the country.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado recently reminded the public that harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense under Philippine law, adding that violators will face arrest and deportation proceedings without exceptions.
