216 foreigners detained under Anti-POGO crackdown
Another batch of illegal POGO workers consist of 84 Chinese nationals successfully departed last April 11 onboard via a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Beijing, China.
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Another batch of illegal POGO workers consist of 84 Chinese nationals successfully departed last April 11 onboard via a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Beijing, China.
A total of 216 foreigners are currently in the custody of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in connection with the recently enacted Anti-Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Act, according to PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston John Casio.
In a radio interview on Monday morning, Casio said the detainees include both witnesses and alleged POGO operators.
“Kabilang dito ‘yung foreigners na witnesses natin at saka ‘yung mga undergoing pa ng mga immigration proceedings, maging ‘yung mga nakasuhan ng mga kriminal na kaso with regards sa mga kriminal na kaso rito,” he said.
Casio clarified that individuals detained earlier this year remain in custody as they continue to undergo their respective immigration proceedings, noting that the Bureau of Immigration releases deportation orders in batches.
Signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on 23 October 2025, the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 permanently bans all offshore gaming operations in the Philippines. The measure revokes existing POGO licenses, repeals previous tax provisions, and imposes penalties of up to 12 years in prison and P50 million in fines, along with mandatory deportation for foreign offenders. The law aims to protect national security and public welfare by curbing crimes and social issues associated with offshore gaming.
Casio also revealed that the PAOCC spends over P1 million monthly to maintain its foreign detainees.
“Nasa P1.4 million ang ginagastos natin sa kanila kada buwan,” he said, adding that the Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry occasionally provides assistance by donating groceries to those in custody.
He further noted that the Marcos administration’s intensified crackdown has pushed some POGO operators to move their operations underground.
“Mayroon pang mga mino-monitor ang iba’t ibang mga ahensya ng gobyerno together with the PNP-CIDG, maya’t maya nagkakaroon kami ng pakikipagtulungan,” he said, adding that most remaining POGOs have relocated outside Metro Manila.
“Marami (POGOs) ho talaga sa probinsya, lumayong-lumayo na ho sila rito,” said Casio. “Ito kasing mga ito, hindi na makaalis ng Pilipinas na ganoon-ganoon na lang.”
