The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) took decisive action in the ongoing POGO deportation campaign by deporting 75 Chinese nationals on Friday. Authorities discovered that the individuals had been working illegally at a POGO hub located in Pasay City. As a result, officials swiftly escorted them to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. From there, the group boarded a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Shanghai.
PAOCC chief Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz emphasized that the government’s efforts will not stop there. He stated that more deportations will likely follow. The Bureau of Immigration continues to review and process additional cases involving illegal foreign workers in the gaming sector. Furthermore, Cruz confirmed that immigration officials finalized all the necessary paperwork for the Friday morning deportations in advance. This step allowed the operation to proceed smoothly and without delay.
Earlier, the Bureau of Immigration issued a directive instructing all foreign workers employed by POGOs to leave the country voluntarily. The agency announced this order as part of an official wind-down period. During this time, foreign nationals could exit the Philippines legally without facing immediate enforcement actions. Authorities hoped this voluntary exit window would prevent mass detentions and reduce administrative backlogs.
This latest deportation operation directly supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s policy shift regarding POGOs. During his third State of the Nation Address on July 22nd, President Marcos called for a complete ban on all POGOs operating within the country. He cited growing concerns over criminal activity, regulatory violations, and national security risks associated with these offshore operators.
In line with this directive, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will begin shutting down all remaining licensed offshore gaming operators starting this October. PAGCOR will oversee the closures with full regulatory authority. Additionally, the agency will work in close coordination with law enforcement and immigration units to ensure compliance with the presidential order.
This coordinated crackdown marks a turning point in the POGO deportation effort. It signals the government’s strong stance on illegal employment, offshore criminal networks, and the broader risks posed by loosely regulated gaming entities.
