The Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Manila has issued a stern warning to companies and individuals who are found to be harboring illegal foreign workers previously employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that the agency will rigorously enforce Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 against any violators. He stressed the gravity of the offense of sheltering illegal aliens and promised a relentless pursuit of those who break the law.
This warning comes in the wake of Viado’s announcement regarding the deportation of over 11,000 former POGO employees who did not exit the country by the December 31, 2024 deadline. These workers were associated with POGO firms whose licenses were revoked, rendering their presence in the Philippines illegal.
Viado encouraged the public to report any suspected violations, assuring that all information would be kept confidential. He underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and ensuring that only individuals with legitimate reasons are permitted to remain in the country.
In a related incident, two Chinese nationals, Wang Dingku and Su Zhengkun, were apprehended at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City while attempting to depart with fraudulent immigration documents. The duo was stopped at NAIA Terminal 1 on December 5 before boarding a flight to Bangkok. They are currently detained at the BI facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, as deportation proceedings continue.
The arrest followed the discovery of counterfeit visas in their passports, which were identified as fake by the BI’s forensic documents laboratory. The suspects have been subjected to a preliminary investigation by BI prosecutors, and charges under the Philippine Immigration Act are expected to be filed, leading to their summary deportation.