Illegal aliens involved in illicit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators are deported by the Bureau of Immigration on Friday (Feb. 7, 2025). Twenty-three Chinese nationals and three Malaysians were sent home. (Photo courtesy of BI)
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported another group of foreign nationals involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities, reaffirming its commitment to cracking down on unauthorized operations in the country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado announced on Saturday that 23 Chinese nationals and three Malaysians were deported on Friday night via Philippine Airlines and Malaysian Airlines flights.
These individuals were among the 450 foreign nationals apprehended in January for violating Philippine immigration laws, particularly for their involvement in POGO-related scams.
This latest deportation follows the removal of 57 foreign nationals between January 31 and February 5, which included 46 Chinese, seven Myanmar nationals, three Vietnamese, and one Malaysian.
“We are resolute in enforcing immigration laws and ensuring that those who exploit our country for illicit activities are removed,” Viado stated.
He emphasized that the BI remains steadfast in working alongside other government agencies to identify, apprehend, and deport foreign nationals engaged in illegal activities, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate illegal POGOs in the country.
“Foreign nationals who engage in unauthorized and illegal operations should take this as a warning. We will find you, arrest you, and send you back to your country,” Viado warned.
He further stressed that the government’s efforts to combat illegal POGO operations are part of a broader initiative to uphold the rule of law and protect national security, highlighting the whole-of-government approach in addressing the issue.
The BI assured the public that it would continue to intensify its crackdown on illegal POGOs and foreign nationals engaged in fraudulent activities to maintain order and safeguard the integrity of Philippine immigration policies.