Philippine Senator Win Gatchalian emphasized the need to continue efforts against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) despite the expiration of their operating licenses.
By the end of 2024, all POGO operations were supposed to cease, with their work permits valid only until December 31, 2024.
However, the senator expressed concern that POGOs might shift their operations into other sectors, such as business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, resorts, or restaurants. He stressed the importance of further actions to ensure the complete shutdown of POGO activities in the country.
He noted that the transformation of POGOs into other types of businesses could pose societal risks, including threats to public safety. As an example, he mentioned the efforts of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other agencies to locate 11,000 former POGO workers for eventual deportation.
Gatchalian emphasized: “More than ever, we need to sustain our efforts to clear out all criminal syndicates that are products of POGOs. We must stay the course to ensure a safer and more secure Philippines for all Filipinos.
“All law enforcement agencies, in close coordination with local government units, as well as the general public must remain vigilant against the presence of POGO offshoots disguised as legitimate business entities.
“Because they have evaded deportation, we can safely assume that these illegal aliens are onto something unlawful and vigilance of everyone is necessary to ensure that such activities are arrested and these aliens are deported as soon as possible.
“While we commend the OSG for their action, we also want to request that they expedite their action against these impostor foreigners to further curb their abusive practices in the country.”
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