91 Chinese nationals deported for illegal gaming, mining

The Philippine government has deported 91 Chinese nationals involved in illegal offshore gaming operations and mining activities as part of a larger crackdown on organized crime.

The deportation followed operations led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Chinese Embassy.

A total of 103 individuals were initially cleared for deportation due to their involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), fraud, and illegal mining.

Of the 103 cleared, 91 departed on a Philippine Airlines flight to Shanghai, while 12 were offloaded pending further orders from the BI.

The deportees were apprehended in various locations across the Philippines, including Pasay, Parañaque, Laguna, Cebu, Pampanga, Tarlac, and the mining sites in Homonhon, Eastern Samar.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin stated that these deportations are crucial in the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime within the country.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado emphasized that foreigners engaging in unlawful activities will face appropriate consequences.