The Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs) has shrunken dramatically, according to Philippines Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique. Less than 100 remain after strict Covid-19 lockdowns and new employment requirements for immigrants to the Philippines, while frictions with Chinese immigrants are causing new problems for the country.

“Prior to COVID-19, we have more than 200 Pogos operating nationwide particularly in the NCR (National Capital Region). During the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), if we look at the numbers of Pogo establishments, it is less than a 100,” wrote Tutay on August 12.

He attributed this shrinkage of the industry to a natural downturn of the economy due to the pandemic, but also to new requirements for employees to have a valid Alien Employment Permit to secure work. The idea is that with less people able to travel to the Philippines, and even less able to get a work permit, POGOs and service providers are just packing up shop and leaving.

But whatever Chinese POGO workers remain are still grabbing headlines for the hijinks they get up to. Weng Zhiting and Cheng Guo were arrested by the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping group for allegedly kidnapping at least one other Chinese national, and police tied the group to a syndicate targeting Chinese people working in the Philippines.