BI deports 91 illegal Chinese workers

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Happening now: Mass deportation of arrested POGO workers. (Photo: Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday deported 91 Chinese nationals who were arrested for working in unauthorized Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs and mining operations.

In a statement, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the group departed aboard a Philippine Airlines Flight bound for China at the Ninoy Aquino Terminal 1 in Pasay City on the morning of Sept. 19.

The flight was arranged by the Chinese Embassy, which assisted in the Chinese nationals’ expedited deportation, Viado said.

According to the BI, the deportees were among the Chinese nationals earlier taken into custody during various inter-agency raid operations with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission of POGO operations in the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, as well as mining operations in Homonhon, Samar.

The bureau clarified that others remain under government custody due to pending court cases and other legal incidents. However, it did not give a specific number.

Viado noted that the deportation reflects the government’s firm stance against illegal foreign workers.

“We remain steadfast in enforcing our immigration laws. Those who abuse their stay in the Philippines and engage in unlawful activities will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

The deportation was spearheaded by the BI’s Deportation and Implementation Unit under its chief, lawyer Alexi Val Arciaga, in coordination with law enforcement agencies.

Viado also said this complies with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the government’s campaign against illegal offshore gaming operations.

The BI also assured that it will continue to coordinate with law enforcement and concerned agencies to implement the administration’s directive against illegal POGO activities.