187 POGO WORKERS DEPORTED BACK TO CHINA

A TOTAL of 187 POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming) workers on Thursday morning, December 5, 2024, were deported back to China.

The deported workers were from various POGO hubs raided by the authorities in Pasay, Cebu, Tarlac and Pampanga.

Of the total number 122 were from 3D Analyzer in Pasay, 57 from Tourist Garden Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; and 11 from Zun Yuan Technology in Bamban, Tarlac, SmartWeb Technology in Pasay and Clark, Pampanga.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission  (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said the workers were deported for violating Philippine immigration laws and lack of proper documents to warrant their continued stay in the Philippines.

It was learned that once they arrive in China, the deported POGO workers will be subjected to investigation for possible involvement in online scamming activities.

There were originally 190 POGO workers scheduled to be deported on Thursday but three were deferred deportation due to pending document.

The deportation comes in the wake of the nearing deadline for POGO to totally cease operations in the country, pursuant to a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

PAOCC reminded POGO workers still in the country to voluntarily leave before the December 31 deadline.

Cruz said come January, the government will launch intensified operations against illegal POGOS.

Meanwhile, wives and partners of some deportees took their chance to bid  farewell to their loved ones outside the PAOCC Detention Facility in Pasay.

Cruz also said PAOCC has been extending help to the POGO children left by their fathers in terms of food, diapers and other needs.