BI deports 98 Chinese nationals involved in alleged illegal POGO operations | ABS-CBN
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BI deports 98 Chinese nationals involved in alleged illegal POGO operations
BI deports 98 Chinese nationals involved in alleged illegal POGO operations
Foreign nationals arrested in a raid on a 'POGO'-like operation in Parañaque City are rounded up on Jan.8, 2025. Photo courtesy: Bureau of Immigration
Foreign nationals arrested in a raid on a 'POGO'-like operation in Parañaque City are rounded up on Jan.8, 2025. Photo courtesy: Bureau of Immigration QUEZON CITY — A total of 98 Chinese nationals were sent back to Beijing after authorities discovered them working under an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) company.
QUEZON CITY — A total of 98 Chinese nationals were sent back to Beijing after authorities discovered them working under an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) company.
They boarded a chartered flight to Xi'an China last Tuesday night, February 25.
They boarded a chartered flight to Xi'an China last Tuesday night, February 25.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the Chinese Embassy arranged the flight as Beijing helps to fast track the deportation of Chinese nationals involved in illegal POGO operations.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the Chinese Embassy arranged the flight as Beijing helps to fast track the deportation of Chinese nationals involved in illegal POGO operations.
The 91 Chinese nationals were among the 450 individuals arrested in a large-scale raid in a commercial building in Parañaque City last January 8. BI earlier said these foreigners were allegedly involved in online scam operations targeting victims abroad.
The 91 Chinese nationals were among the 450 individuals arrested in a large-scale raid in a commercial building in Parañaque City last January 8. BI earlier said these foreigners were allegedly involved in online scam operations targeting victims abroad.
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Seven others who were also deported were from BI's detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig.
Seven others who were also deported were from BI's detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had ordered to ban POGO operations late December 2024, with involved foreign nationals expected to have left the country immediately.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had ordered to ban POGO operations late December 2024, with involved foreign nationals expected to have left the country immediately.
But as authorities search for thousands of POGO workers who are up for deportation, there were also "small-scale POGOs" that have sprouted in parts of the country.
But as authorities search for thousands of POGO workers who are up for deportation, there were also "small-scale POGOs" that have sprouted in parts of the country.
Viaddo assured Filipinos that deporting the foreign nationals remain the government's top priority.
Viaddo assured Filipinos that deporting the foreign nationals remain the government's top priority.
“We are working relentlessly with our partner agencies to ensure the swiftest deportation possible,” he said
“We are working relentlessly with our partner agencies to ensure the swiftest deportation possible,” he said
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“This is a clear message that the Philippines will not be a safe haven for illegal activities," he emphasized.
“This is a clear message that the Philippines will not be a safe haven for illegal activities," he emphasized.
Ten Vietnamese nationals were also deported on the same date via NAIA Terminal 1, BI reported.
Ten Vietnamese nationals were also deported on the same date via NAIA Terminal 1, BI reported.
Viado said they are working to deport the illegal foreign workers at the soonest possible time.
Viado said they are working to deport the illegal foreign workers at the soonest possible time.
“We will continue to find ways to make the process even faster. The sooner they leave, the better for everyone," he added.
“We will continue to find ways to make the process even faster. The sooner they leave, the better for everyone," he added.
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