THE number of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has significantly decreased, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz revealed that only 100 POGO hubs are currently being monitored, citing a report from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) that many have closed or are winding down operations.
Cruz expressed confidence in the government’s ability to eliminate all illegal POGO remnants, stating that even if they operate in smaller groups, their activities will be detectable. He pointed to the distinct patterns of their operations, particularly their nighttime activity due to time zone differences, as key indicators.
Cruz highlighted the progress made through joint investigations involving lawmakers, the National Bureau of Investigation, and other government agencies. He confirmed that these investigations have identified individuals involved in POGO operations, with numerous names surfacing.
Sec. Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier vowed to personally shut down all POGOs in the country by December, as ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that more than 12,000 foreign workers of discontinued POGOs have applied for the downgrade of their working visas.
These ex-POGO workers had been given until October 15 to downgrade their 9G visas to tourist visas. They have until the end of the year to leave the country.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said foreign workers whose working visas have been downgraded will be reverted to having a temporary visitor status.
She added that foreigners who downgrade their visa will have 59 days after the downgrading.
A downgrade of a foreign national’s working visa to a temporary visitor’s visa means the holders of these visas must be ready to depart from the Philippines, she said, noting that they should not roam around or work. A temporary visitor visa is for foreign nationals to wind down their affairs, that is, gather things, prepare for departure, and pack up, she said.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado earlier said that there will be no more extensions for the filling and that those who do not meet the deadline will have to leave the country.
The BI said it plans to conduct implementation days for POGO companies where it can issue on-site exit clearances and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) can accept the Alien Employment Permits to be surrendered by POGO workers.
An interagency task force has been formed—composed of BI, the Department of Justice, DOLE, and others—to oversee the closure of POGOs and assist affected workers.
