NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
BI And PAGCOR Join Forces To Expedite Deportation Of Illegal Foreign POGO Workers
Photo credit: PAGCOR
In a significant move aimed at strengthening national security and immigration enforcement, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Monday to speed up the deportation of illegal foreign workers linked to unauthorized Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
The initiative directly supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster border protection and crack down on illegal foreign nationals operating in the country. The ceremonial signing took place at PAGCOR’s office in Pasay City, led by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado.
As part of the agreement, PAGCOR will provide the Bureau of Immigration with a ₱50 million grant, released in two equal tranches. These funds will help cover the costs of deporting foreign nationals currently detained at the BI’s Warden Facility and Protection Unit (BIWFPU) who are found to be working unlawfully in POGO operations.
Commissioner Viado expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the grant will significantly enhance the Bureau’s ability to address immigration violations linked to illegal online gaming.
“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,” Viado said.
He emphasized that this collaboration reflects the Marcos administration’s firm commitment to a whole-of-government approach in tackling national security concerns and transnational crime.
“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.
The partnership signals a strengthened effort to close immigration loopholes and reinforce regulatory oversight, particularly in sectors vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
The initiative directly supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster border protection and crack down on illegal foreign nationals operating in the country. The ceremonial signing took place at PAGCOR’s office in Pasay City, led by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado.
As part of the agreement, PAGCOR will provide the Bureau of Immigration with a ₱50 million grant, released in two equal tranches. These funds will help cover the costs of deporting foreign nationals currently detained at the BI’s Warden Facility and Protection Unit (BIWFPU) who are found to be working unlawfully in POGO operations.
Commissioner Viado expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the grant will significantly enhance the Bureau’s ability to address immigration violations linked to illegal online gaming.
“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,” Viado said.
He emphasized that this collaboration reflects the Marcos administration’s firm commitment to a whole-of-government approach in tackling national security concerns and transnational crime.
“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.
The partnership signals a strengthened effort to close immigration loopholes and reinforce regulatory oversight, particularly in sectors vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
Jul 2, 2025
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