Philippine LCEs ordered to intensify inspections to phase out offshore gaming operators

Authorities in the Philippines aim to eradicate offshore gaming operators from the country.

The Philippines.- Interior secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered local chief executives (LCEs) to strengthen measures to completely eradicate remaining offshore gaming operators in the country.

Remulla issued this instruction following the Bureau of Immigration’s arrest of 400 illegal aliens allegedly linked to offshore gaming operators in a raid in Parañaque City. He said: “This serves as a warning to all LCEs: fulfil your duties effectively and ensure thorough inspections of all buildings. You will be held accountable if we discover you entering the premises without having reported to us.”

Remulla also mentioned that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will request an explanation from the local government unit of Parañaque City regarding the presence of any offshore gaming operator-like companies.

Earlier this month, Remulla instructed all local government units (LGUs) to provide a “no offshore gaming operator certificate” by the end of January 2025. In a memorandum dated January 2, Remulla mandated that all LGUs conduct regular inspections of business establishments to confirm the absence of covert operations. LGUs have also been directed to collaborate with the Philippine National Police to identify any hidden offshore gaming activities.

According to the Philippines News Agency, Gilbert Cruz, the executive director undersecretary of the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC), indicated that cases have been initiated against LCEs for their negligence in curbing widespread offshore gaming operations. Cruz said that local officials cannot claim ignorance, particularly since these businesses are usually active within communities, where they should know such operations.

Philippines’ BI warns companies to avoid hiring former foreign offshore gaming workers

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned companies and people to avoid harbouring illegal foreign workers from offshore gaming operators.

In a statement, BI officer-in-charge commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said: “The Bureau will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940” and reminded businesses that harbouring undocumented foreign nationals is a serious offence.

Viado’s statement follows the BI’s announcement of deportation proceedings targeting over 11,000 former offshore gaming workers who failed to leave the country before December 31, 2024, the deadline set by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for foreign workers employed by offshore gaming operators to voluntarily return to their home countries.

Viado also urged the public to report any suspected violations, assuring that all reports would be treated with confidentiality. He said: “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.”

See also: Philippines DOJ warns foreign offshore gaming workers who are still in the country

Authorities in the Philippines aim to eradicate offshore gaming operators from the country. The Philippines.- Interior secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered local chief executives (LCEs) to strengthen measures to completely…