PASAY, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) formalized a partnership aimed at accelerating the deportation of illegal foreign workers tied to unauthorized Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).

The two agencies signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) granting the BI a total of ₱50 million in support funds, to be released in two tranches, for the deportation of undocumented aliens currently detained at the BI’s Warden Facility and Protection Unit.

The move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster national security and intensify enforcement against illegal foreign nationals operating in the country.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado led the ceremonial signing at PAGCOR’s headquarters in Pasay City.

“We thank PAGCOR for their active support, which will greatly boost our efforts in clearing the country of undocumented and overstaying aliens, especially those connected to illegal online operations,” said Viado.

He noted that the partnership reflects the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach in addressing security threats posed by transnational criminal syndicates using illegal POGO fronts.

“This MOA is a concrete step in addressing the POGO-related concerns that have caused public alarm, and we are proud to be part of the national solution,” Viado added.