BI DEPORTS 43 CHINESE MEN NABBED IN PASAY POGO RAID

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday  deported 43 Chinese nationals who were arrested in a raid at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Pasay City.

The Chinese nationals were part of the more than 100 foreign nationals previously arrested by operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) during the implementation of a search warrant on F.B. Harrison St. in Pasay City.

The warrant was issued by the Makati Regional Trial Court for alleged violation of Republic Act 9208 and Republic Act 10364 or the Anti Trafficking in Persons Act.

The PAOCC and the PNP-WCPC discovered that the said foreign nationals were working for an establishment that engages in human trafficking activities.

The BI said the accused were found to have violated the terms and conditions of their visas, and are considered threats to public interest.

The group boarded a Philippine Airlines flight to Shanghai at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that as a consequence of their deportation, the names of the Chinese nationals have been included in the BI’s blacklist, and they are barred from entering the country in the future.

“We are working closely with other government agencies to rid the country of such undesirable aliens who abuse our hospitality and stay here doing their illegal activities,” said Tansingco.

He encouraged concerned citizens to report illegal aliens that might be conducting illicit activities in their area.