Between 3,000 and 4,000 Chinese nationals are expected to be sent back home by mid-October under a renewed crackdown on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry, said Department of Justice (DOJ) assistant spokesperson Mico Clavano IV on Monday.
The crackdown was announced by PAGCOR CEO and Chair Alejandro Tengco earlier this month with a promise to tackle “illegal POGO-related crimes” following reports of an increase in kidnappings linked to online gaming operators.
According to a report by Philippine News Agency, Clavano said it had located an initial batch of 300 Chinese POGO workers who had overstayed their visas and would be sent home by the start of October, but many more are expected to follow. It is reported that many POGOs are currently operating despite not having a license or having had their license revoked.
Among the key concerns for authorities is the potential for POGO-related crime to start impacting local Filipinos.
“What is alarming are videos and pictures circulating on social media about murder, kidnapping and prostitution in POGOs,” Clavano said.
“The direction … is to make sure our Filipino citizens are secure in their lives and it mustn’t reach a point that even Filipinos become victims.”
Philippine News Agency said PAGCOR had revoked the permits of 175 POGOs as of 14 September, which between them employed around 40,000 employed Chinese nationals.
However, Clavano added that while those nationals would be sent home if their visas were no longer valid, the government was also working with China on the most appropriate action.
“Our relationship with China, we have to take care of, so we’re working together, we’re coordinating with the Chinese government to ensure that these Chinese nationals are being cared for,” he said.
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