Bureau of Immigration Deports 54 Foreigners in Crackdown on Illegal Aliens

In a recent operation, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the deportation of 54 foreign nationals, predominantly Chinese, over a five-day period. The deportations took place between January 31 and February 5, with the individuals being sent back on various flights departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The group comprised 46 Chinese nationals, seven from Myanmar, three Vietnamese, and one Malaysian. These individuals were among the 450 foreigners arrested in January for breaching Philippine laws, with a significant number linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO). BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the agency’s commitment to preventing the exploitation of the country’s immigration system. He stated that those engaging in illegal POGO activities would face arrest and swift deportation. Viado also highlighted the support from President Marcos and the Department of Justice in their efforts to purge the nation of undesirable aliens. The BI’s focus is particularly on foreign nationals involved in illegal offshore gaming, which has been associated with human trafficking, cyber fraud, and other criminal activities. Viado warned that those exploiting the Philippines’ hospitality for illegal operations would face consequences, as authorities continue to identify, arrest, and deport such individuals.