THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday said 17 more Chinese nationals working in illegal Philippine Online Gaming Operators (POGO) outlets were deported amid the government’s crackdown on the continued operation against illegal online gambling.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the third batch of illegal Chinese workers boarded their flight to Wuhan, China on Wednesday afternoon.
The first batch was composed of six Chinese nationals who were deported last October 19, followed by 21 more on November 2.
“The 17 is part of the more than 300 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese citizens, set to be deported by the BI after being arrested by local law enforcement agencies for involvement in illegal online gambling,” Tangsingco said.
The deported foreigners have been included in the BI’s blacklist, effectively barring them from returning to the Philippines.
Last month, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the BI had already canceled the visas of 1,424 Chinese nationals. The working visas of 48,782 Chinese nationals working in illegal POGO outlets are likewise set to be canceled.
Remulla said the DOJ is ready to extend amnesty to illegal POGO workers and other undocumented aliens.
As of September, data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) showed there are 175 POGOs operating in the country with canceled permits.
