The Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines deported three Chinese citizens more than two weeks after their arrest, completing the process at a record pace.
Joel Viado, the Director of the Bureau of Immigration, stated that the swift deportation aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s declaration to prohibit offshore gaming operations in the country.
Viado said, "This is just the first batch of deportations. We are tirelessly working to ensure the rapid deportation of all individuals found violating immigration laws. This demonstrates our determination to uphold the President's mandate and protect national interests."
The deported individuals are 23-year-old Lu Xun, 26-year-old Kong Xiangrui, and 25-year-old Wang Shangle, who were among the 450 illegal POGO workers arrested during a large-scale operation by the immigration bureau on January 8.
On the afternoon of January 25, they were deported back to Xiamen, China, on an AirAsia flight.
The immigration bureau also issued a strong warning to illegal POGO workers still within the country. Viado urged, "We encourage those who are still residing illegally to voluntarily surrender to the authorities. Avoid the embarrassment and consequences of being arrested. Cooperate now to facilitate your departure," he added.
As the immigration bureau intensifies efforts to clear out illegal workers, more individuals will be deported in the coming weeks.
"This is just the beginning," Viado said. "The Bureau of Immigration is determined to perform its duties swiftly and effectively, ensuring that offenders are held accountable and deported without delay."
Joel Viado, the Director of the Bureau of Immigration, stated that this is just the beginning of the cleanup efforts, and the relevant departments will continue to accelerate the deportation process to ensure that all those violating Philippine immigration laws leave the country as soon as possible. He added, "We are going all out to ensure the rapid removal of these illegal stayers."
Viado emphasized that the quick deportation of illegal workers is part of executing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive. President Marcos had previously explicitly requested the crackdown on illegal offshore gaming operators (POGO) to protect national interests and social order.
Viado also stated that the immigration bureau will prioritize handling related cases to prevent illegal activities from further impacting national security and the economy. He added, "We are firmly implementing this policy to uphold the authority of the law and protect public interest."
The immigration bureau once again urged foreigners still staying illegally in the country to surrender voluntarily as soon as possible, to cooperate with the authorities in completing the necessary procedures, and avoid the embarrassment and legal consequences of being arrested. Viado called, "Now is the best time to cooperate. Taking the initiative to surrender not only speeds up the deportation process but also avoids unnecessary trouble."
This large-scale deportation operation is seen as a key step in the Philippine government's fight against illegal offshore gaming. Experts note that this move not only helps reduce the number of illegal workers but also demonstrates the government's determination in maintaining national interests and managing illegal activities.
The immigration bureau stated that it will continue to strengthen cooperation with law enforcement agencies, accelerate the review and deportation procedures, and ensure the full implementation of this action.
