BI deports 23 foreigners linked to POGO, cyber fraud
Twenty-three foreigners who were involved in the now banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) last Friday, Nov. 21.
Lawyer Alexi Val Arciaga, chief of the BI’s Deportation and Implementation Unit, said that the 23 Chinese nationals boarded a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight bound for Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Arciaga said the 23 foreigners were subjects of deportation orders for violations of Philippine immigration laws for involvement in POGO-like activities, cyber fraud, and for being wanted criminals in their home country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that the deportation of the 23 foreigners reaffirms the administration’s resolve to cleanse the country of foreign nationals involved in illegal activities.
Viado warned: “As long as illegal online gaming facilities and scam hubs persist, our enforcement operations will continue. The public can expect more arrests and deportations in the days ahead. We will ensure that those who violate our laws are removed without delay.”
He said the deportation is in line with the recent enactment of the Anti-POGO Law signed by President Marcos. The law imposes stricter penalties and strengthens the government’s authority to shut down illegal gaming hubs and related scam operations.
He also said the new law empowers enforcement agencies to decisively address crimes associated with offshore gaming, including human trafficking, cyber fraud, and illegal employment.