Philippines deports over 100 Chinese nationals linked to POGO networks
The Philippine government has deported 100 Chinese nationals to Shanghai this week as part of its ongoing effort to dismantle illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and scam hubs.
The deportees were arrested during raids in Parañaque, Pasay, Lapu-Lapu (Cebu), and Silang (Cavite). The Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) and Bureau of Immigration oversaw their departure from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“This is part of the government’s intensified campaign to remove foreign nationals engaged in illicit online gaming and scamming operations, in line with President Marcos’ directive to ban POGOs and dismantle organised criminal networks,” the PAOCC said.
Over 10K yet to be deported
This marks a major update, as significant logistical challenges were faced in returning the arrested individuals. As of now, roughly 4,000 foreign workers have been deported, with more expected soon.
However, authorities admit that over 10,000 foreign nationals — mainly Chinese — remain in the country. PAOCC chief Gilbert Cruz told lawmakers this week that more than 9,000 illegal foreign workers are still unaccounted for. Many individuals lack proper identification, making deportation a challenging process.
A former POGO hub in Pasay is serving as a detention centre, housing 640 detainees awaiting deportation. Conditions have become challenging, with two deaths reported due to illness and around 300 detainees falling sick. The PAOCC said it is struggling to provide food and medical care.
Coordinating with foreign embassies for repatriation documents has been slow, further delaying deportations. To prevent overcrowding, further raids on undocumented workers were temporarily suspended.
Global co-operation may be next?
In October 2024, President Marcos ordered all foreign POGO workers to downgrade their work visas to tourist status by 2025 or face deportation. Immigration officials, however, admitted that there is no system in place to track compliance. Many downgraded visas have already expired, rendering many as unlawful residents.
Yet, several experts and lawmakers have long raised concerns over the POGO industry’s ties to organised crime. The Anti-Money Laundering Council and several foreign governments, including China, have echoed these warnings.
In the near future, the Philippines might consider reaching out to countries like China to help with repatriation efforts, as well as explore relocating detainees to provincial prisons to alleviate the overcrowding in Metro Manila’s facilities. Additionally, officials are looking into the use of temporary travel documents to expedite the deportation process. The government says more deportations are expected in the coming months as part of its ongoing crackdown.
