Philippines to Shut Down Last Active POGOs 5s3e6d

In a radical policy about-face, the Philippine government has declared that the remaining 47 licensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators will be shut down.

The purge, starting December 15, 2024, will crack down on various illegal activities that have come with such operations: human trafficking, money laundering, and kidnapping. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla led the announcement, citing the government’s resolve to clean up the offshore gaming industry.

Regulatory Actions and Visa Monitoring b6gj

The Bureau of Immigration (BI), through its head, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, has heightened visa scrutiny of foreign workers involved in POGOs. As of November 7, 21,757 foreign nationals involved in POGO operations had downgraded their work visas to temporary visitor visas, 10,821 of whom have already left the country. This follows the president’s order to shut down all
POGO operations because of their connection to criminal activities.

In October, BI revoked the visas of 12,106 foreigners who did not comply with the downgrading of their permits. Those who stay in the country beyond the deadline will be deported and blacklisted. This extensive visa enforcement ensures that no foreign workers related to these businesses can continue abusing the laws.

Some POGOs, despite the order for their shutdown, have resorted to masquerading as legitimate businesses, such as restaurants, resorts, and bars, to continue their illicit activities. The Department of the Interior and Local Government are intensifying inspections to counter such deceptive practices. Local government officials have been instructed to monitor all establishments rigorously.

International Cooperation Strengthens the Crackdown 1s434j

The Philippine government, however, has sought from the international community, especially China, to address the broader issues surrounding POGOs. The latest t efforts by the two countries resulted in the deportation of 187 POGO employees to China.

This crackdown has caught attention as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader vision to rid the country entirely of POGOs. In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, he reiterated his istration’s commitment to addressing the high reputational risks these operations are causing the country.

A Safer and Sustainable Philippines 6r3450

It would not be until the shutdown of the POGOs that the government could regain the Philippines’ image as a safe and respectable venue for investment and tourism. In facing pervasive criminal activities across the offshore gaming sector, the istration seeks to help create a more sustainable economic environment. This decisive action makes the Philippines’ approach toward gambling regulation reach a tipping point, setting a model for law enforcement and international cooperation in dealing with illicit industries. The complete shutdown of POGOs represents a victory for legal compliance and a greater commitment to protecting the country’s social and economic integrity.

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