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BI Deports 100 Illegal POGO Workers As Government Tightens Immigration Enforcement
Photo credit: BI
In a move reflecting the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal offshore gaming operations, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported another batch of foreign nationals found violating Philippine immigration laws.
On June 17, exactly 100 Chinese nationals boarded a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Shanghai from NAIA Terminal 1, following their arrest earlier this year in Pasay, Cavite, and Parañaque. These individuals, all linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) activities, had been under the custody of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed the deportation, emphasizing that it was part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold immigration integrity and enforce the law without compromise.
“We are grateful to the PAOCC for their continued support in identifying and apprehending illegal POGO workers who undermine our laws and threaten public order,” Viado said.
He stressed that this latest deportation effort should serve as a warning to those who attempt to misuse the country’s immigration system. “Their removal sends a clear message that the Philippines will not be a refuge for foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws.”
Commissioner Viado reiterated that the BI remains committed to dismantling illegal POGO operations, describing them as not just immigration violations but threats to national security and public safety. “This is part of our broader effort to dismantle the illegal POGO ecosystem. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners to protect our borders and restore integrity in immigration processes.”
With continued collaboration between government agencies, the BI is pushing forward with its mission to maintain order, reinforce lawful migration, and send a clear signal: those who disrespect the country's laws will face consequences.
On June 17, exactly 100 Chinese nationals boarded a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Shanghai from NAIA Terminal 1, following their arrest earlier this year in Pasay, Cavite, and Parañaque. These individuals, all linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) activities, had been under the custody of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed the deportation, emphasizing that it was part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold immigration integrity and enforce the law without compromise.
“We are grateful to the PAOCC for their continued support in identifying and apprehending illegal POGO workers who undermine our laws and threaten public order,” Viado said.
He stressed that this latest deportation effort should serve as a warning to those who attempt to misuse the country’s immigration system. “Their removal sends a clear message that the Philippines will not be a refuge for foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws.”
Commissioner Viado reiterated that the BI remains committed to dismantling illegal POGO operations, describing them as not just immigration violations but threats to national security and public safety. “This is part of our broader effort to dismantle the illegal POGO ecosystem. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners to protect our borders and restore integrity in immigration processes.”
With continued collaboration between government agencies, the BI is pushing forward with its mission to maintain order, reinforce lawful migration, and send a clear signal: those who disrespect the country's laws will face consequences.
Jun 19, 2025
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