Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Davao (NBI-11) arrested 59 alleged POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming) workers in Panabo City, Davao del Norte morning on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Of the 59, 55 are Chinese; three are Malaysians; and one is Filipino. Another Malaysian was able to escape.

NBI-11 said the alleged POGO hub in Barangay Manay, Panabo City has been operating for around three months.

In a report by GMA News Online, up to 187 POGO workers were deported back to China on Thursday, December 5, less than a month before the implementation of a total ban by the end of 2024.

They were deported for violating Philippine immigration laws.

The Presidential Anti-Organize Crime Commission (PAOCC) reminded POGO workers still in the country to voluntarily leave before the December 31 deadline as the government will launch intensified operations against illegal POGOS in January 2025.

(With reports from GMA News Online)