Nearly 400 illegal aliens, mostly Chinese who were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for working as online scam operators, will be deported to their country of origin on January 29, Chinese New Year.
The foreigners who were involved in scam operations were arrested in a raid conducted by the BI on a company in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City last January 8.
Immigration Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the aliens were found to be engaged in illegal activities similar to those being done by Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), including online scam operations targeting victims abroad.
The BI is coordinating with relevant government agencies to expedite the process and ensure that those found guilty of violations are held accountable.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the raid was part of the bureau’s intensified efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure that foreign nationals residing in the country comply with its laws.
Viado said the bureau has intensified its manhunt against over 11,000 foreign POGO workers who are reportedly still in the country.