BI deports 83 Chinese, Myanmar, Vietnamese, Malaysian nationals involved in illegal POGOs

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported a total of 109 foreign nationals, primarily Chinese citizens, who were among the 450 individuals arrested last month for violating Philippine laws related to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

Of those deported between January 31 and February 7 via flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 69 are Chinese, ten are Myanmar nationals, six are Vietnamese, four are Malaysian.

An additional batch of 26 individuals—23 Chinese and three Malaysians—were deported on Friday night, bringing the total number to 83 deportees.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the bureau's commitment to its zero-tolerance policy against foreigners involved in illegal activities within the country.

The crackdown targets foreign nationals engaged in human trafficking, cyber fraud, and other criminal enterprises linked to illegal POGOs.

More than 21,000 foreign POGO workers have applied for visa downgrades following the government's campaign against these operators since October last year.