MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported 57 foreign nationals involved in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), sending them back to their home countries in a series of flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) between January 31 and February 5.

These deportees are part of the 450 foreign nationals arrested in January for violating Philippine laws, especially those involved in illegal POGO operations, according to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

“We will not allow foreign nationals to abuse our immigration system. Those who break our laws and insist on continuing illegal POGO activities in the Philippines will be arrested and swiftly deported,” Viado said. 

“Under the leadership of President Marcos and with the full support of the Department of Justice, we are resolute in ridding the country of these undesirable aliens,” he said. 

The focus of this crackdown is on foreign nationals engaged in illegal POGOs, which have been tied to human trafficking, cyber fraud, and other criminal enterprises. 

Viado said that individuals exploiting the country’s hospitality for illicit operations will face swift action. 

“This is part of our intensified enforcement efforts,” he added, highlighting the BI’s continued collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to identify, arrest, and deport foreign nationals involved in criminal activities.

The BI has vowed to sustain its mass deportation campaign, with plans for more arrests and deportations in the coming months.