BI DEPORTS 100 ILLEGAL POGO WORKERS TO CHINA

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday sent back to China another batch of illegal POGO workers.

The deportation is in line with President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the strict compliance of immigration laws.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reported that a total of 100 Chinese nationals were deported from the country at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

The deportees boarded a Shanghai-bound Philippine Airlines flight on Tuesday morning.

The POGO workers were under the custody of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) after they were charged by the BI for violation of immigration laws.

They were arrested in separate operations in Pasay, Cavite, and Parañaque earlier this year.

Viado thanked the PAOCC for their strong partnership in the campaign against illegal foreign workers, saying: “We are grateful to the PAOCC for their continued support in identifying and apprehending illegal POGO workers who undermine our laws and threaten public order.”

He stressed the importance of their deportation, stating: “Their removal sends a clear message that the Philippines will not be a refuge for foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws.”

Viado reiterated the agency’s commitment to working with other government bodies to end illegal POGO operations in the country.

“This is part of our broader effort to dismantle the illegal POGO ecosystem. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners to protect our borders and restore integrity in immigration processes,” said Viado.