THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday warned companies and individuals who will be found harboring foreign nationals working in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facilities will be dealt with the full force of the law.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency will not hesitate to sue those who shelter or employ foreigners without proper documentation.
“The Bureau will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. Harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense, and we will pursue violators with the utmost resolve,” Viado said.
The BI’s warning followed a similar warning earlier issued by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla against more than 11,000 foreigners who formerly worked in the POGO industry but failed or refused to comply with Malacañang Malacañang’s directive for them to voluntarily leave the country before the December 31, 2024 deadline for the closure of all offshore gaming facility operations.
Remulla has said that the workers’ continued stay in the country is unlawful, a point echoed by Viado.
“Let this serve as a stern reminder to all: Anyone who enables these individuals to remain in the Philippines will face the consequences. The law is clear, and there will be no exceptions,” he said.
At the same time, Viado appealed to the public to report those who they suspect are coddling or sheltering former POGO workers, saying any information will be treated with confidentiality.
“This is not just about compliance, it’s about safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring that only those with legitimate purposes are allowed to stay in the country,” he said.
