The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines stated that about 24,000 foreign employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) have left the Philippines.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado mentioned that this figure is derived from the 33,000 workers registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
Meanwhile, 8,000 workers have applied to downgrade their work visas to visitor visas.
"Only a few are left. Less than a thousand are unaccounted for. We will continue to look for them," Viado said at a press conference.
At the same time, he reminded foreign POGO workers that they must leave the country by the end of the year.
The Director of Immigration stated: "After December 31, the bureau will start blacklisting them."
On November 5, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 (EO), ordering the immediate prohibition of POGO, online gambling, and other offshore gaming operations in the country.
EO 74 covers Internet Gaming License holders (IGL) and other offshore gaming license holders.
According to the executive order, the ban on POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operations also includes license applications, renewals, and cessation of operations.
This measure stems from reports of POGO's involvement in various illegal activities.
