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84 Chinese Nationals Deported In Crackdown On Illegal POGOs - BI Says, 'We're Watching'
Photo credit: BI
In a major push to clean house, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) just sent 84 Chinese nationals packing—literally—on a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Beijing last April 11. The move is part of the Marcos administration’s intensified campaign to shut down illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and dismantle foreign-run criminal operations in the country.
“These foreign nationals were either overstaying or didn’t have proper documents,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “They were arrested during enforcement ops in Tarlac, Cebu, and Parañaque, and now, we’ve deported them.”
The whole operation was a coordinated effort, with the BI teaming up with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and even the Chinese Embassy in Manila to make it happen smoothly.
“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,” Viado explained. “We are grateful to the PAOCC and the Chinese Embassy for their seamless coordination throughout the process.”
The message is crystal clear: the government’s not playing games.
“This is a stern warning to all illegal foreign operators—we are watching, and we will act decisively,” Viado stressed. “The Bureau will continue to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies to protect the integrity of our borders.”
The BI also assured the public that they’re sticking to their mission of restoring order and upholding the law—especially when it comes to cracking down on foreign-led organized crime.
So, if you’re running shady operations? The government’s watching. And they’re ready to move.
“These foreign nationals were either overstaying or didn’t have proper documents,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “They were arrested during enforcement ops in Tarlac, Cebu, and Parañaque, and now, we’ve deported them.”
The whole operation was a coordinated effort, with the BI teaming up with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and even the Chinese Embassy in Manila to make it happen smoothly.
“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,” Viado explained. “We are grateful to the PAOCC and the Chinese Embassy for their seamless coordination throughout the process.”
The message is crystal clear: the government’s not playing games.
“This is a stern warning to all illegal foreign operators—we are watching, and we will act decisively,” Viado stressed. “The Bureau will continue to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies to protect the integrity of our borders.”
The BI also assured the public that they’re sticking to their mission of restoring order and upholding the law—especially when it comes to cracking down on foreign-led organized crime.
So, if you’re running shady operations? The government’s watching. And they’re ready to move.
Apr 14, 2025
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