Two Chinese nationals were intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for attempting to leave the country using fake exit clearance certificates, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported.
Identified as Yu Ziming and Wu Liping, the two were caught at NAIA Terminal 4 while trying to board a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong. They were flagged by the BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES).
Exit clearance certificates (ECCs) are required for foreign nationals permanently leaving the country after working in the Philippines.
An investigation found that both had previously worked for offshore gaming companies.
POGOs have been under increased scrutiny following a government crackdown on illegal operations. The BI has transferred the two individuals to its Warden Facility pending deportation.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned others not to attempt to circumvent immigration laws, adding that the agency will continue cracking down on fraud and supporting the President’s directive to eliminate illegal POGOs.