The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it has deported a total of 115 foreign nationals found to be illegally staying and working in the country.
The agency said majority of deported foreigners were arrested for working without proper documentation in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry.
The government is dismantling POGO due to its association with criminal syndicates, cybercrime, and human trafficking.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the bureau supports the crack down against illegal POGO operations and foreign nationals who violate immigration laws.
“The President has made it clear: we will not allow foreigners to abuse our immigration laws or exploit our systems for illegal activities,” said Viado. “These deportations are a strong message that the Philippines will not tolerate lawlessness and that we are serious about protecting our national security."
The deportations were conducted in waves -- 44 Vietnamese nationals on June 3, 26 Vietnamese and 12 South Koreans on June 4, another 7 Vietnamese on June 5, and finally 25 Vietnamese and 1 Malagasy on June 6.
BI said the deported aliens were placed on the BI’s blacklist, effectively barring them from returning to the Philippines.
Viado stressed that the BI is coordinating with the embassies of the foreign nationals to expedite deportation proceedings and ensure full compliance with Philippine laws.
He also revealed that more mass deportations are being scheduled in the coming weeks as part of the agency’s intensified campaign.
The agency said many of the deported individuals were found residing or working in POGO hubs that have been linked to various forms of organized crime, including online fraud and trafficking.
“These operations are just the beginning,” Viado added. “We are cleansing our borders of foreign nationals who threaten public order and national interest."
Reynaldo replied to themse