MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported a total of 1,422 foreign nationals during the first half of 2025 as part of intensified efforts to expel illegal aliens from the country.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the move aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “swiftly arrest and expel foreign nationals who pose a threat to national security or public interest.”

The BI’s Deportation and Implementation Unit (DIU) reported that Chinese nationals made up the bulk of deportees at 957, followed by 231 Vietnamese, 41 South Koreans, 41 Malaysians, and 37 Burmese.

According to Viado, most of those deported were foreigners illegally working in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies despite an existing ban.

The total number of deportations in the first half of 2025 was double the 717 recorded in the same period last year.

“Our strengthened deportation protocols follows the directive of the President to act swiftly and remove foreigners who abuse our people’s hospitality,” Viado said. “We will continue expediting the deportation of foreign nationals who violate our laws.”

The BI earlier reported key reforms in its deportation process, including fast-tracking of clearances with the National Bureau of Investigation, quicker resolution of cases under the so-called “demanda me” scheme, improved embassy coordination for faster issuance of travel documents, and the opening of a new holding facility for arrested aliens.