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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BI warns: Persons harboring foreign POGO workers will be prosecuted

BI warns: Persons harboring foreign POGO workers will be prosecuted

Published Jan 8, 2025 05:05 am

Persons harboring foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be prosecuted, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

"Harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense, and we will pursue violations with utmost resolve, said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

He stressed that "the BI will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940."

Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act prohibits the "bringing of alien in the Philippines who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, concealing or harboring an alien who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, and attempting, conspiring with, or aiding another to commit any of the prohibited acts."

Viado issued the  warning after the BI revealed that over 11,000 foreign workers of POGOs failed to leave the Philippines on the Dec. 31, 2024 deadline.

For continuing to remain in the Philippines, the bureau said these aliens will will be arrested and will face deportation proceedings, he said.

“Anyone who enables these individuals to remain in the Philippines illegally will face the consequences, and the law is clear, and there will be no exceptions,” he stressed. 

He assured that the BI is committed in enforcing the country’s immigration laws in order to protect national security and public order.

“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 also said. 

Related Tags

Bureau of Immigration POGO
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