AT least 84 Chinese nationals linked to illegal POGO operations were deported back to China as part of the government’s intensified efforts to dismantle foreign-run criminal operations in the Philippines.
The deportees boarded a Philippine Airlines flight to Beijing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The deportation was carried out in close coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
The deportation was carried out in close coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
“This operation reflects our strong resolve to implement President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down illegal POGOs and remove foreign nationals who violate our immigration laws,” Immigration commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.
“We are grateful to the PAOCC and the Chinese Embassy for their seamless coordination throughout the process,” he added.
The 84 Chinese were found to be overstaying or undocumented, and had been turned over to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) following their arrest in a series of enforcement operations.
The group consisted of previous arrests by government operatives in Tarlac, Cebu, and Parañaque.
“This is a stern warning to all illegal foreign operators—we are watching, and we will act decisively. The bureau will continue to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies to protect the integrity of our borders,” Viado said.
The BI assured the public that it remains committed to supporting the administration’s efforts to restore order and uphold the law by cracking down on illegal foreign activities linked to organized crime.