MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker is calling for continued efforts to eliminate the  remnants of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and prevent their illegal activities from resurfacing under new disguises even after the December 31 deadline.

“More than ever, we need to sustain our efforts to clear out all criminal syndicates that are products of POGOs. We must stay the course to ensure a safer and more secure Philippines for all Filipinos,” Senator Win Gatchalian said Tuesday

While the official deadline for the cessation of all POGO operations lapsed on December 31, 2024, Gatchalian said that some former operators have rebranded themselves as Business Process Outsourcing companies, resorts, and restaurants to continue their illicit activities unnoticed.

“All law enforcement agencies, in close coordination with local government units, as well as the general public must remain vigilant against the presence of POGO offshoots disguised as legitimate business entities,” he stressed.

Thousands of illegal workers still at large

The senator also said that there are ongoing risks to public safety despite the December 31 deadline, citing data from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which is currently tracking 11,000 former POGO workers who remain in the country despite being slated for deportation.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that among the 33,863 POGO employees registered under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, 24,779 opted to downgrade their visas. 

Of the total number, 22,609 left the country before the December 31 deadline, the bureau said.

Gatchalian likewise said that these undocumented individuals pose a threat, with some potentially engaging in crimes such as kidnapping, as seen in recent reports.

“Because they have evaded deportation, we can safely assume that these illegal aliens are onto something unlawful and vigilance of everyone is necessary to ensure that such activities are arrested and these aliens are deported as soon as possible,” he said.

Legal action against fraudulent documents

Gatchalian also commended the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for taking action against fraudulently acquired birth certificates but urged them to accelerate their efforts.

“Bagama’t pinupuri natin ang OSG sa kanilang aksyon, gusto din nating hilingin na mas bilisan pa nila ang kanilang pagkilos laban sa mga mapagpanggap na dayuhan para mas mapigilan pa ang kanilang mga mapang-abusong gawain dito sa bansa,” he said.

In his State of the Nation Address last July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the complete shutdown on POGOs due to their links to serious crimes and the alleged involvement of government officials, including dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

In November, Marcos signed Executive Order 74, restricting POGOs, internet gaming licenses, and other offshore gaming operations in the country.