Winston Casio, spokesperson for the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), recently stated that several foreigners involved in illegal online gambling have entered the formal deportation process, currently waiting for the relevant countries to provide travel documents, passport verification, and an exit permit issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
"We have initiated the deportation procedures and are closely cooperating with various governments to ensure that the deportations are conducted legally and orderly," said Casio.
This deportation action is part of the Philippine government's comprehensive crackdown on the offshore gaming industry (POGO). To address the worsening public security and social issues caused by POGO, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 74 on November 5, 2024, announcing the prohibition of all domestic online gambling operations.
The order not only immediately halts illegal online gambling activities but also completely suspends the issuance and renewal of POGO licenses, requiring existing license holders to cease operations immediately, considered one of the government's toughest measures against cyber and transnational crimes in recent years.
Following the order, law enforcement and immigration authorities conducted joint raids, sealing several suspected illegal gambling operations and seizing a large amount of illegal evidence and foreign workers.
The government pointed out that these illegal gambling platforms often involve money laundering, fraud, human trafficking, and violent crimes, and must be thoroughly eradicated. In the future, more foreigners who stay illegally and engage in illegal activities will face deportation.
The Philippine authorities also call on the international community to strengthen cooperation, promote intelligence sharing and joint crackdowns, and jointly address the regional security challenges posed by cross-border cybercrime.
