PH deports 100 Chinese nationals involved in Pogo, scam hubs
A hundred Chinese nationals were deported to Shanghai, China, on Tuesday as part of the ongoing efforts of the Philippine government to get rid of foreign nationals working for illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and scam hubs in the country.
The deportees were apprehended during operations in several locations nationwide that included Parañaque City, Pasay City, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, and Silang in Cavite. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Bureau of Immigration oversaw the deportation process at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
“This latest deportation is part of the government’s intensified campaign to remove foreign nationals engaged in illicit online gaming and scamming operations, in line with the directive of President Marcos to ban [Pogo] and dismantle organized criminal networks,” the PAOCC said.
Nationwide ban
Mr. Marcos ordered a ban on all Pogos in 2024 due to the involvement of some in criminal activities.
Around 4,000 Pogo workers have been deported so far and more are expected in the next few months, PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz said, who joined the trip to Shanghai to meet with Chinese counterparts.
Cruz said the meeting will center on stronger cooperation in dealing with illegal activities.
According to him, Chinese authorities have acknowledged the Philippine government’s efforts to eliminate Pogos, as they also prohibit all forms of gambling among their citizens, even in other countries.
