Yesterday, it was shocking to hear that the Philippine Bureau of Immigration arrested 400 POGO workers in Parañaque! Truly the "first catch" of the New Year! It has begun!
With constant warnings at the end of the year, the Philippines is determined to eradicate illegal POGOs!
The Philippine government has long been determined to clean up illegal POGOs. By the end of last year, leaders of various government departments in the Philippines repeatedly urged POGO workers still in the Philippines to leave quickly.
According to the statement from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Philippines deported about 11,000 POGO workers last year who failed to leave the country within the specified deadline, and warned that the remaining illegal foreign nationals would face forced deportation. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Vidal reiterated, "Any actions supporting these illegal activities will be fully sanctioned. This is not only about complying with the law but also about protecting the integrity of the Philippine immigration system and national security."
Justice Minister Jesus Crispin Remulla has also emphasized multiple times by the end of 2024 that all illegal POGO workers must leave the Philippines, or they will face severe legal penalties.
Interior Minister Jovic Remulla has also ordered government agencies nationwide to submit the final report on the enforcement of the POGO ban and strictly prohibited any local government department from renewing business licenses to POGO and other online gambling-related companies. He pointed out that all levels of government and law enforcement agencies must cooperate closely to eliminate any form of illegal operations.
Moreover, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned that companies and individuals who harbor, employ, or provide accommodations for illegal POGO workers will be prosecuted according to the law.
Today, Gilbert Cruz, the Deputy Minister of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, stated that the government will take legal actions against local government officials who still engage in online gambling (POGO) business within their jurisdiction.
It is evident that the current measures are not just about arresting POGO workers but also involve companies, individuals, and even officials who shelter or support POGOs! The scope of impact is gradually expanding!
Forceful action, the first round of arrests captured 400 people!
Having passed Christmas and New Year uneventfully, many workers were caught off guard, and at the beginning of the new year, the Philippine government started a major operation!
On January 3rd, the Bureau of Immigration conducted a raid in Parañaque City and arrested nearly 400 foreign nationals. These individuals were working for a company suspected of POGO activities, engaging in illegal online scams, and other activities.
The head of the BI Intelligence Division, Fortunato Manahan, stated: "These activities not only violate immigration laws but also pose a significant threat to social security." It is reported that most of the arrested individuals are Chinese citizens, who will be registered, detained, and deportation proceedings will be initiated.
According to reports, this raid was not accidental. Recently, some POGO workers, after losing their jobs, continued to engage in illegal activities by disguising themselves as business outsourcing companies, resorts, etc.
Comprehensive cleanup is about to unfold, the government's determination to crack down remains strong
The actions of the Philippine government have not stopped. According to netizens, PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) together with the National Bureau of Investigation will launch a new round of large-scale clean-up operations targeting gambling parks, office buildings, and residential areas on the morning of January 10th.
This date, January 10th, is exactly the final deadline mentioned earlier for local governments to submit their reports on the closure of online gambling operations.
Senator Zhang Qiaowei has also issued a warning that these potential threats must be completely eradicated. He pointed out that illegal POGO workers have even been involved in violent crimes such as kidnapping and robbery.
Speaking of which, it is necessary to mention a robbery that occurred on December 30th: Five former POGO employees kidnapped and robbed a Chinese businessman named Hong and his girlfriend, and were later arrested in Makati City.
Two of the suspects, after losing their jobs, were kindly taken in by the victim, only for the victim to unwittingly invite trouble into his home. After gaining an understanding of the victim's family environment and financial situation, they contacted several "former colleagues" and ultimately planned this crime. A true modern version of "The Farmer and the Snake"! Fortunately, there were no casualties.
These individuals stole the victim's bulletproof car worth 5.5 million pesos, changed its license plates, and also took the victim's cash and other valuables.
Several such cases have occurred in the recent past. No wonder the Philippine government and officials see these people as a societal menace, eager to eliminate them swiftly.
According to the directive from DILG, all governors, mayors, barangay captains, and regional directors must ensure that online gambling companies within their jurisdictions cease operations and submit detailed reports on the implementation.
The memorandum requires local governments to strictly prohibit the renewal of any business licenses and permits for online gambling companies, while urging local government units to assist law enforcement agencies in cracking down on companies still operating illegally.
Could this wave of leaks be true?!
According to the leaked information, the January 10th operation will cover multiple high-risk areas, including major residential and commercial buildings in Makati City such as Air Residences, The Rise, Cityland Makati Executive, Avida, Signa, 1-3 Central Condominium, Eton Tower, Salcedo Square, and more!
This news indicates that the Philippine government's crackdown on illegal POGOs is gradually escalating in intensity and scope!
Finally, the Philippine government's stance against illegal POGOs is clear, and 2025 may become an important turning point for rebuilding order and security in Philippine society, which has been impacted by POGOs.
