The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has launched an intense manhunt for over 11,000 foreign workers who remained in the country after the December 31, 2024 deadline to leave following the shutdown of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that approximately 11,254 former POGO employees, primarily Chinese nationals, are now considered illegal aliens. The crackdown follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s July order to shut down the country's online gambling industry in response to pressure from China.

POGOs, which previously employed around 40,000 people and generated $3 billion in revenue at their peak in 2019, primarily targeted players in countries where online gambling is prohibited, especially China. Many Chinese workers were recruited with promises of better opportunities, but often faced poor working conditions upon arrival.

The situation has created a challenging dilemma for these workers, as returning to China could result in prosecution for participating in overseas gambling operations and illegal capital outflow - activities that Chinese President Xi Jinping considers threats to national security.

Philippine authorities have also warned property owners that harboring POGO operations will result in criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture. Reports indicate some operators have attempted to continue operations in apartments and hotel rooms despite the ban.

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