THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported 187 Chinese who were working in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs.
The Chinese were arrested by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) following raids on illegal gaming operations in Pasay City and Cebu.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the BI was originally set to deport 190 POGO workers, but one was the subject of a hold departure order and two had other pending cases in the country.
Viado said the three would remain in detention until their cases have been decided and would have to serve their sentences if convicted.
The deportees boarded a Philippine Airlines flight to Shanghai, China, last Dec. 5.
“These individuals were found to have violated Philippine laws and immigration regulations. Their deportation serves as a clear message that illegal activities by foreign nationals will not be tolerated,” Viado said.
He also confirmed that the deportees were added to the bureau’s blacklist, preventing them from re-entering the Philippines.
“This successful deportation highlights our strong stance against illegal activities of foreign nationals in the country,” said Viado. “We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that foreign nationals abide by the terms of their stay and that our immigration laws are strictly enforced.”
He said the bureau would continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies in enforcing the country’s immigration policies and protecting national security.
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