Following the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC)'s recent operation in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) fully supports the government's efforts to intensify the crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Recently, PAOCC agents conducted a law enforcement operation, arresting 453 individuals, including 146 foreigners, most of whom are Chinese.
Following the PAOCC raid, the Bureau of Immigration is preparing to finalize the legal custody transfer to initiate deportation proceedings.
Joel Anthony Viado, the Director of the Bureau of Immigration, stated that more arrests and deportations will be carried out to comply with President Ferdinand ‘Bong Bong’ Marcos, Jr.'s directive to prohibit the operation of Philippine online gaming operators.
Viado said, "We are closely coordinating with cooperating agencies to make every effort to identify and arrest foreigners involved in these illegal activities."
He emphasized that the Bureau of Immigration is firmly committed to fulfilling its duties, ensuring that foreigners comply with Philippine immigration laws, thereby maintaining national security.
Viado reiterated the Bureau of Immigration's commitment to strict immigration enforcement and promised to continue coordinating with law enforcement agencies to prevent the resurgence of illegal online gaming operators.
