Twenty-six more foreign nationals who worked for the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) were deported last Friday, Feb. 7, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.
The recent deportations brought to 83, the number of deportees who were part of the 450 foreign nationals apprehended last January for violations of the Philippine Immigration Act.
Those deported last Feb. 7 were 23 Chinese and three Malaysians, the BI said.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that their deportation is a sign of the government’s commitment to crack down illegal POGO operations.
“This is just the beginning. We are resolute in enforcing immigration laws and ensuring that those who exploit our country for illicit activities are removed,” he said.
He also said that more arrests and deportations will follow soon, as he warned illegal foreign workers that it’s only a matter of time before they are apprehended.
“Foreign nationals who engage in unauthorized and illegal operations should take this as a warning -- we will find you, arrest you, and send you back to your country,” he vowed.
He said the BI will work closely with other government agencies to identify and remove foreign nationals who are involved in illegal activities.
“This is a whole-of-government effort,” Viado said. “We are committed to cleansing the country of illegal POGOs and ensuring that the rule of law prevails,” he stressed.