More than 100 foreigners deported in intensified crackdown on illegal aliens, POGO workers

Pasay City – As part of the Marcos administration’s intensified campaign to uphold national security and enforce immigration laws, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported a total of 115 foreign nationals found to be illegally staying and working in the country.

The move is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen law enforcement and ensure that the Philippines is not used as a sanctuary for undocumented aliens, particularly those involved in illicit operations.

Majority of those deported were arrested for working without proper documentation in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry, which the government has moved to dismantle due to its association with criminal syndicates, cybercrime, and human trafficking.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that the Bureau remains firm in its support of the government’s efforts to crack down on illegal POGO operations and remove 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,” he added.

The deportations were conducted in waves, with 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. All individuals were placed on the BI’s blacklist, effectively barring them from returning to the Philippines.

Viado stressed that the BI is coordinating closely with the embassies of the concerned 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.

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,” he stated.

The BI reiterated its warning that while the Philippines remains open to legitimate visitors and investors, those who engage in illegal activity will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

“The Philippines welcomes those who follow our rules,” said Viado. “But to those who come here to commit fraud, exploit our people, or violate our laws—expect to be arrested, deported, and banned from ever coming back.”