The Bureau of Immigration (BI) successfully deported a total of 98 Chinese nationals after being caught working under an illegal POGO company, in line with the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal offshore gaming operations. 

This follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to put an end to POGO operations in the country, as part of broader efforts to protect national security and curb transnational crimes linked to these establishments. 

The deportees boarded a Philippine Airlines chartered flight to Xi’an, China on the evening of February 25. 

A total of 91 Chinese nationals were part of the 450 individuals arrested on January 8 in a commercial building in Parañaque City, while another seven were from the BI’s detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig. 

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado shared that the chartered flight was arranged by the Chinese Embassy as part of their coordinated efforts to expedite the removal of foreign nationals involved in illegal POGO activities. 

Since January, the BI has apprehended more than 500 foreign nationals in separate operations in Parañaque, Cavite, and Pasay City. Of these, a total of 226 have already been deported. 

Viado assured the public that deportation efforts remain a top priority. 

“We are working relentlessly with our partner agencies to ensure the swiftest deportation possible,” said Viado. “This is a clear message that the Philippines will not be a safe haven for illegal activities.” 

Additionally, 10 Vietnamese nationals were also deported on the same date via NAIA Terminal 1. 

Viado reaffirmed the BI’s commitment to removing illegal foreign workers at the soonest possible time, stating, “We will continue to find ways to make the process even faster. The sooner they leave, the better for everyone.”