Ninety-one Chinese nationals, who were found illegally working in Philippine companies like the now banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), were deported on Friday, Sept. 19.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said those deported were previously arrested in various raid operations conducted by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) against POGOs in Pasay City and Paranaque City and in mining operations in Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar.
The BI said the deported Chinese nationals left the Philippines for China aboard a flight that was arranged by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
It said the other foreigners arrested during government raids remain in detention. They could not be deported immediately because of their pending court cases in the Philippines and other legal incidents, it also said.
The BI assured that the bureau “will continue to coordinate with law enforcement and concerned agencies to implement the administration’s directive against illegal POGO activities.”
“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,” Viado said.