The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is hastening the deportation of apprehended Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) employees, particularly as their numbers continue to increase at the country's detention centers, specifically at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.
On January 25, 2025, individuals namely Lyu Xun, 23 years old; Kong Xiangrui, 26 years old; and Wang Shangle, 25 years old, who were part of the 450 illegal POGO workers arrested in a large-scale operation conducted by BI on January 8, 2025, were expelled from the country.
(Photo of the Bureau of Immigration)
This marks the fastest deportation executed by the BI, completed only two weeks after the arrest of the individuals.
"This is only the first batch of deportees. We are working tirelessly to ensure the swift removal of all individuals found violating our immigration laws. This demonstrates our resolve to uphold the President's mandate and protect the country's interests," said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
The three Chinese nationals were placed on an Air Asia flight bound for Xiamen, China on January 25, 2025.
Following this, the BI has issued a warning to the remaining illegal workers in POGO who are still in the country.
"We encourage those who are still here illegally to voluntarily surrender to authorities. Avoid the embarrassment and consequences of arrest. Cooperate now to facilitate your departure," according to the BI Commissioner.
Commissioner Viado indicated that this is just the beginning of many more deportations they will carry out in relation to the illegal POGO workers in the country.