Picture courtesy of PhilStar

 

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) have signed a memorandum to expedite the deportation of foreigners involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).

 

Under this agreement, PAGCOR will grant P50 million to the BI, released in two tranches, to support the deportation efforts of detained illegal POGO workers. This initiative is aimed at clearing the country of undocumented and overstaying aliens connected to unlawful online operations.

 

Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado expressed gratitude for PAGCOR's assistance, highlighting it as a significant step towards addressing POGO-related concerns. He lauded it as part of a broader national effort to resolve the issue.

 

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order No. 74, which banned POGOs nationwide last year, the BI has implemented stricter deportation protocols. This included the deportation of 100 Chinese nationals on June 17 and a ban on layover flights for POGO-linked deportees, after incidents of operators dodging deportation by diverting flights.

 

These efforts signal a firm commitment to tackling the challenges posed by illegal gaming operations and reinforcing public safety.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-07-01

 

 

Another country that appears to be doing a decent job of getting rid of undocumenteds.  Albeit maybe a bit late.  Kier, are you watching?.