A total of 115 foreigners, who were found illegal staying and working in the Philippines, were deported during the first week of June, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Sunday, June 8.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that 44 Vietnamese nationals were deported last June 3.
Twelve South Koreans and 26 other Vietnamese nationals were deported last June 4, while one Malagasy national and 25 more Vietnamese were deported last June 6, Viado said.
He said that majority of those deported were arrested for working without proper documentation in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) which have been shut down by the government due their involvement in criminal activities.
“These deportations are a strong message that the Philippines will not tolerate lawlessness and that we are serious about protecting our national security,” Viado stressed.
He declared: “The Philippines welcomes those who follow our rules. But to those who come here to commit fraud, exploit our people, or violate our laws are expected to be arrested, deported, and banned from ever coming back,” he warned.
With their deportation, the 115 foreigners have been placed in the BI’s blacklist and banned from returning to the Philippines, he also said.