In a major crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said yesterday it deported 84 Chinese nationals last week as part of the Marcos administration’s intensified campaign against foreign-run criminal enterprises.

The Chinese were flown to Beijing aboard a Philippine Airlines flight out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on 11 April, the BI said.

The deportation was carried out in close coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Manila, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the BI added.

“This operation reflects our strong resolve to implement President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down illegal POGOs and remove foreign nationals who violate our immigration laws,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

“The smooth coordination was greatly appreciated by both the Chinese Embassy and the PAOCC,” he added.

The Chinese were arrested in a series of raids in Parañaque City, Tarlac and Cebu. They were found to be either undocumented or overstaying.

Viado said this served as a strong warning to all illegal foreign operators.

“We are watching you closely and we will take decisive action. The bureau remains committed to preserving the integrity of our borders and will continue working with other law enforcement agencies,” he said.

The BI reiterated its support for the administration’s broad effort to dismantle organized criminal networks and maintain law and order throughout the country.