THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday, April 23, 2021, warned jobseekers against dealing with illegally operating Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

In a statement, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said these illegal POGOs use the social media for their recruitment activities.

They offer attractive salary packages but have caused serious financial and emotional problems, Bello said.

"It would be prudent to verify first the registration of such companies with relevant government agencies prior to engaging with them," said Bello.

The DOLE issued the warning after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) verified that certain Chinese companies are operating as POGO without license, accreditation, or even a pending application.

The Philippine National Police - Anti-Kidnapping Group said such companies are often engaged in the "slave trade,” luring Chinese or Taiwanese nationals through social media to work for them.

Once employed, the workers are given salaries lower than the promised amount. If the workers refuse, the are allegedly kidnapped for ransom. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)