On Friday, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration arrested three Chinese nationals at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Manila, accusing them of overstaying and violating immigration laws, one of whom was a former employee of the offshore gaming industry (POGO). The operation is part of President Marcos' government's comprehensive measures to terminate POGO operations, strengthen national security, and maintain public order, aimed at inspecting and deporting foreigners who are illegally staying and without legal status. The arrested individuals were intercepted while attempting to board a flight to Incheon, South Korea, and the immigration bureau is investigating whether there was third-party assistance for their departure, emphasizing that any actions that compromise border security and circumvent the law will be prosecuted according to the law.
Enforcement Action and Background
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration conducted an enforcement action on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, arresting three Chinese nationals. This action is part of President Marcos' government's policy to completely terminate POGO operations and strengthen national security and public order.
The goal of the operation is to inspect and deport foreigners who are illegally staying and without legal status, especially those related to the terminated POGO operations.
Details of the Arrested Individuals and Charges
The three arrested Chinese nationals are Chen Shiwei, Pan Xin, and Wang Jianqiang. Investigations revealed that Chen Shiwei and Pan Xin have been overstaying since 2024, while Wang Jianqiang failed to leave the country as required after the government's explicit ban on POGO operations.
The three were attempting to board an Asiana Airlines flight to Incheon, South Korea, when they were intercepted by immigration officials at the airport.
Official Statement and Enforcement Stance
Joel Anthony Via, the Director of the Immigration Bureau, stated that the bureau will strictly enforce the President's directives, combating illegal gambling and overstaying by foreigners, ensuring border security, and protecting the interests of legitimate businesses and the public in the Philippines.
Via emphasized that any actions that compromise border security or circumvent the law will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, without leniency.
Legal Basis and Procedures
The arrested individuals are charged with violating Philippine immigration laws concerning visa overstays and illegal residency. According to relevant laws, overstaying foreigners may be deported, blacklisted, and face future entry restrictions.
Procedurally, the Immigration Bureau will conduct a detailed investigation to ascertain the nature of their stay and any other illegal activities involved.
POGO Background and Policy Shift
The Philippine government has completely terminated the operations of offshore gaming (POGO), citing issues of social order, national security, and illegal employment. The government has recently intensified efforts to clean up overstayers and unlicensed foreign workers related to POGO.
This move aims to reduce organized crime, illegal capital flows, and labor exploitation.
Enforcement Trends and Recent Actions
This arrest aligns with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration's recent trend of strengthening entry and exit controls and inspecting overstayers. Previously, the bureau has conducted similar actions in various locations, focusing on foreign nationals related to former POGO operations who have not left the country on time.
Enforcement actions often target international airports and exit channels to prevent suspects from fleeing.
Investigation Directions and Third-Party Liability
The Immigration Bureau is investigating whether there are third-party individuals or institutions that assisted the arrested individuals in attempting to leave the country. If such assistance is discovered, whether from travel agencies, intermediaries, or individuals, they will be prosecuted according to the law.
The investigation aims to cut off illegal stayers' access to fake documents or evasion of supervision.
International Cooperation and Deportation Procedures
The Philippines cooperates with multiple countries on the deportation of illegal stayers, conducting deportations via international flights. The deportation process usually includes identity verification, legal review, and flight arrangements, ensuring compliance with international law and bilateral agreements.
The cooperation aims to enhance transnational law enforcement efficiency, jointly combating illegal immigration and international crime.
Industry Impact and External Reactions
The complete termination of POGO and subsequent enforcement actions have had certain impacts on the Philippine job market, real estate, and local economy, but the government believes these measures are beneficial for long-term social security and economic stability. The external community supports the government's measures to strengthen the rule of law and border management.
Affected industries are gradually adjusting to the economic environment in the post-POGO era.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Measures
The Immigration Bureau states that it will continue to enforce the President's directives, strengthening port inspections, visa reviews, and identity checks of foreigners within the country. Future actions may expand the scope of inspections, increasing efforts to combat illegal employment and organized immigration crime.
The government plans to establish a more efficient foreigner management system through multi-department collaboration.
