BI deports 3 Chinese linked to illegal POGO ops

In record time, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported three Chinese nationals just over two weeks after their arrest.

BI Commissioner Atty. Joel Viado said the decision to expedite their deportation aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s declaration that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations are prohibited in the country.

"This is just the first group of deportees. We are making every effort to guarantee that everyone who is determined to be in violation of our immigration rules is removed as soon as possible. This proves our determination to follow the President's directive and safeguard the nation's interests," Atty. Viado said.

The deportees were identified as Lyu Xun, 23; Kong Xiangrui, 26; and Wang Shangle, 25, who were among 450 illegal POGO workers apprehended during a massive operation conducted by the BI on January 8.

On Saturday afternoon (January 25), all three deportees were boarded on an AirAsia flight bound for Xiamen, China.

Additionally, the BI issued a warning to any remaining undocumented POGO employees in the country. "We encourage those who are still here illegally to voluntarily surrender to authorities. Avoid the humiliation and repercussions of being arrested. Cooperate now to facilitate your departure," Atty. Viado said.

More deportations are expected in the coming weeks as the BI steps up efforts to remove illegal workers from the country.

The BI chief said this is just the beginning. The Bureau is intent on carrying out its mandate swiftly and efficiently, ensuring violators are held accountable and deported without unnecessary delay.