A total of 100 Chinese nationals previously employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were deported back to China on Tuesday, as part of the Philippine government’s intensified crackdown on illegal POGO activities.
According to a report by Saleema Refran on Balitanghali, the deportation took place at around 10:40 a.m., with the Chinese government covering the airfare to prevent any escape attempts.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz explained that China is keen to take custody of the deportees to gather critical information on POGO operations, such as their methods, locations, and money laundering schemes.
“China wants to ensure the key figures behind these illegal operations are returned and thoroughly investigated,” Cruz noted.
Once in China, the deportees will face investigations for scamming, cybercrime, fraud, and money laundering.
Back in the Philippines, the deportation brought emotional scenes, particularly among Filipinas with Chinese partners. One woman, tearfully bidding farewell with their six-month-old child, shared her pain and intent to reunite with her partner in China soon.
The deported individuals had been apprehended in raids across Cebu, Cavite, Parañaque, and Pasay. They were classified as undesirable aliens for working without proper documents and for involvement in unauthorized POGO operations. They have also been blacklisted from reentering the Philippines.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs effective July 22, 2024, following discoveries of torture equipment, scam operations, and other illicit activities in raided POGO sites. Since then, authorities have arrested around 4,000 POGO workers and deported 2,500.